Pilbara Health

According to health authorities, WA could be in for the worst mosquito plague in over a decade with heavy rains and flooding from the recent cyclones helping to replenish insect breeding grounds.

Australia is home to more than 300 different types of mosquito, although only a small number  are responsible for transmitting human diseases such as Dengue fever, Murray River encephalitis, Barmah Forest virus disease and rare cases of malaria.

Already, more than 80 new cases of Ross River virus have been reported in WA and the Northern Territory this summer. This painful disease is characterised by fever, rashes and joint pain that can last for weeks or months, so take some simple precautions to keep yourself safe:

• avoid areas where mosquitoes are active, particularly around dusk.
• install insect screens and keep them well maintained.
• remove stagnant water. Empty saucers under garden pots and refill garden ponds and pet water bowls regularly.
• wear long sleeves and pants in light colours as mosquitoes are attracted to dark shades.
• choose a personal insect repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels. Scientific tests have shown lemon eucalyptus oil to be an effective natural repellent.
• apply an icepack to bites to help reduce heat and swelling or try anti-histamines to stop the itch.