Health warning on Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

Victorians are advised to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus infection and Barmah Forest virus infection this summer.

Key messages

Victorians are advised to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus infection and Barmah Forest virus infection this summer.
Mosquito numbers of species known to transmit diseases are increasing.
Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus have been detected in mosquitoes in the Campaspe, Horsham and Loddon local government areas.
For the most up to date viral detections in mosquitoes see the Department of Health webpage on mosquito-borne diseases.
Ross River virus and Barham Forest virus are endemic to most areas across Victoria, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions.
Symptoms of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection can include headache, fever, chills, rash, joint pain and stiffness, muscle pain and fatigue.
Clinicians should consider the possibility of mosquito-borne diseases in patients presenting with a compatible illness, especially those who live in or have travelled to rural or regional Victoria.
A blood test early in the illness can indicate potential acute infection and should be repeated two weeks later for confirmation.
The most effective way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites around your home.

Mosquiito

Prevention

There are simple steps to protect against mosquito-borne diseases:

Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
Use mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about.
Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite.
On holidays make sure your accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
Don’t forget the kids – always check the insect repellent label. On babies, you might need to spray or rub repellent on their clothes instead of their skin. Avoid applying repellent to the hands of babies or young children.
Use ‘knockdown’ fly sprays and plug-in repellent devices indoors.
Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticides if you don’t have insect screens on windows on your home or are sleeping in an untreated tent or out in the open.
Mosquito coils can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.

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	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.