Mosquito-borne viruses a ‘public health risk’

Source: Manly Daily

Dangerous virus-carrying mosquitoes have been found on Sydney’s northern beaches prompting authorities to ramp up the battle against the bloodsucking insects.

Northern Beaches Council has installed mosquito warning signs around Narrabeen Lagoon and the Warriewood Wetlands to alert people to take precautions against catching debilitating viruses. Picture: NSW Health

Northern Beaches Council has installed mosquito warning signs around Narrabeen Lagoon and the Warriewood Wetlands to alert people to take precautions against catching debilitating viruses. Picture: NSW Health

Worried authorities are ramping up the battle against mosquitoes which carry viruses that can be harmful to humans.

With a wetter than normal summer set to hit the northern beaches, health experts have warned that the bloodsucking insects could cause “public health risks”.

Ross River, Bermah Forest and Edge Hill viruses, carried by mosquitoes, have been detected on the northern beaches. Picture: Supplied

Ross River, Bermah Forest and Edge Hill viruses, carried by mosquitoes, have been detected on the northern beaches. Picture: Supplied

Northern Beaches Council and NSW Health have already found mosquitoes carrying the debilitating Ross River, Barmah Forest and Edge Hill viruses in areas around the Warriewood Wetlands, Narrabeen Lagoon and Careel Bay.

Now, the council said, that with Australia in a “La Niña” weather pattern, above-average rainfall would provide more breeding environments for mosquitoes — stagnant water.

Experts from NSW Health and the council are repeating warnings that people must take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, especially near wetland and lagoon locations.

Mayor Michael Regan said the council will work closely with NSW Health to monitor mosquitoes throughout summer.

The mouth of Deep Creek, Narrabeen Lagoon, near where mosquitoes carrying viruses were captured. Picture: Manly Daily

The mouth of Deep Creek, Narrabeen Lagoon, near where mosquitoes carrying viruses were captured. Picture: Manly Daily

“Monitoring will assess mosquito populations, identify species that may be hazardous to public health, alert us to take early control action in high-risk areas and to issue public alerts,” Cr Regan said.

“As well as ongoing monitoring, we are undertaking a public education program that will include an information hub on our website, advice and education to the community via social media and on-site signage.

“We don’t want pesky mozzies ruining our outdoor time this summer.”

A purple swamp hen at Warriewood Wetlands, where mosquitoes carrying viruses were trapped. Picture: Nicoline Toepfer

A purple swamp hen at Warriewood Wetlands, where mosquitoes carrying viruses were trapped. Picture: Nicoline Toepfer

Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are commonly found in kangaroos and wallabies. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on an infected animal and can pass it onto human

The director of the Northern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit., Michael Staff, said the viruses could be debilitating but most people recovered within a few weeks

“A small proportion can have longer term problems such as aches and joint pains,” Dr Staff said. “The sensible thing to do is try not to get bitten. If you don’t get bitten by a mosquito, because it’s the victor that transfers it to you, then you won’t get the disease.”

The council has already erected warning signs.

Last month, a NSW Health “Mosquito Management Plan”’ prepared for the council by Cameron Webb, principal hospital scientist at the Department of Medical Entomology, was released.

It said some mosquito species “associated with wetlands and other habitats within the Northern Beaches Council local government area have the potential to pose pest and public health risks”.

“This is the first time mosquito-borne pathogens of human health importance have been identified in mosquito populations on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.”

People walking near wetland areas are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Picture: Troy Snook

People walking near wetland areas are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Picture: Troy Snook

CHECKLIST: (NSW Health)

1. Wear loose-fitting long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear when outside especially around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

2. Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin using brands that contain either DEET or Picaridin. Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus can also provide adequate protection.

3. Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home by removing stagnant shallow water from saucers, buckets, etc. Mosquitoes like to breed in shallow stagnant water.

4. Use flyscreens on windows and doors of houses and keep them in good order.

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