Take precautions to avoid mossie bites

Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area residents are being urged to take all possible precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes this wet season.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said while mosquitoes were active all year round, they tended to be far more prevalent in normally wetter seasonal conditions between November and April.

“But no matter the time of year, our advice to local communities remains the same,’’ she said.

“The very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

“Some mosquito-borne diseases circulate locally and are relatively common, such as Ross River fever and Barmah Forest virus disease. We have had 10 cases of Ross River and three cases of Barmah Forest virus disease within the health service region so far this year.

“But we have also had an unusually high number of dengue fever cases, with a total of 54 confirmed cases so far this year as a result of outbreaks on Mer, Warraber, Masig and Erub islands in the Torres Strait.

“Previously, we had not had any cases of dengue fever on Cape York, the Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area since 2019.

“It’s obvious that the dengue fever virus is now present in mosquito populations right across the Torres Strait and residents need to be very mindful of this going forward.

“No cases of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) have been recorded but there has been detection of JEV in pigs within the region and I’d like to remind everyone in our region that they are eligible for the free JEV vaccine if required.

“But mosquito control, public education campaigns and vaccination if available for the condition – such as for JEV – can only do so much.

“All residents also need to do their part and take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and protect themselves from mosquito bites.’’

Personal protective measures include:

• Wear light-coloured clothing, (long-sleeved shirts and long pants wherever possible to cover exposed skin).
• Use personal insect repellent containing DEET (di-ethyl toluamide) or Picaridin. DEET and Picaridin are safe for use by pregnant women. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Repellents usually only protect against mosquito bites for up to four hours.
• Use long-lasting ‘surface’ or ‘cockroach’ insecticide spray in places where mosquitoes can hide.
• Use other mosquito protection devices such as electric zappers and mosquito coils.
• Install insect screens that are in good working order in your home and office. If not, sleep under a mosquito net day and night.
• Tip it, store it, throw it — tip out water from containers weekly, or dry store containers under cover and discard rubbish properly. Mosquitoes breed in containers that hold water.
• Remember, under the Public Health Act 2005, you can be fined by your local council if your home or yard promotes the breeding of mosquitoes.