The importance of insect repellent has been highlighted with the Ross River virus being detected in Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith. Photo: iStock/Lifemoment.
Residents across the Riverina are being urged to take precautions following the detection of two mosquito-borne viruses.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) said following recent detections of the Ross River and Japanese encephalitis viruses (JEV), people across the region should take precautions against mosquito bites and get vaccinated.
Ross River virus was detected in mosquito samples collected at Wagga Wagga on 28 January. This followed the identification of the virus in Albury on 20 January and in Griffith on 21 January, as well as 21 December, 2024.
Griffith local Nihal Job said this mosquito season hadn’t been an easy one for him.
“I don’t know about others, but I have been bitten more this season,” Mr Job said.
“It’s been really frustrating going out for a run in the evening. That plus the heat can get on your nerves.”
Asked about the recent detection of the two viruses, he said it was concerning.
MLHD public health director Alison Nikitas said it was vital for people to be aware of the risks and precautionary measures as these mosquito-borne viruses were spread to humans by infected mosquitoes, not from person to person.
“Avoiding mosquito bites will protect against mosquito-borne infections such as Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and Barmah Forest virus,” Ms Nikitas said.
“While there is an effective vaccine against Japanese encephalitis, there is no vaccination or specific treatment for the Ross River virus and the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which are most active at dusk and dawn.
“For Ross River virus, only a small proportion of people infected with the virus will have any symptoms, which include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, stiffness and swelling, rash on the body, arms or legs, and tiredness or weakness.”
Ms Nikitas said most people recovered after a few weeks, but some may have symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months.
NSW Health undertakes mosquito surveillance across the state from November to April each year, providing important information about when the mosquito-borne disease risk is elevated.
This follows the notice from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development of JEV detection in pigs in the region and other parts of NSW, indicating widespread risk.
Like the Ross River virus, JE is spread by mosquitoes, not from person to person or from contact with pigs or pork.
The Primary Industries Department says the JEV vaccine is available through local general practitioners, Aboriginal health services and pharmacists. People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment ahead of time and advise it is for the JE vaccine. These providers may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.
There have been no human JEV cases in NSW since October 2022.
Actions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, covered footwear and socks.
- Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour-dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas).
- Cover windows and doors with insect screens and check there are no gaps.
- Remove items that may collect water, such as old tyres and empty pots, from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
- Use repellents that are safe for children’s skin. Most insect repellents are safe for children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions.
- Protect infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
- While camping, use a tent with fly screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering, or sleep under a mosquito net.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on the NSW Health website.
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