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The Mosquito Breeding Season is Upon Us - Are you at Risk?

Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis, Kunjin Virus and Dengue Fever are diseases transmitted in Australia by mosquitoes. All of these diseases are notifiable diseases.

Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus
Both occur widely through Australia. The disease caused by Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus (sometimes referred to as Epidemic Polyarthritis) have similar life cycles and produce similar symptoms in people.

Symptoms of Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus:
Most people become unwell within 3 to 11 days of contact with an infectious mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, joint swelling, joint pain, muscle tenderness, skin rash and headaches. The joint pain can be severe and can last from 2 to 6 weeks.

Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus are not fatal. People usually fully recover within 4 to 9 months.

Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and Kunjin Virus
Both are endemic in northern Australia. The diseases caused by the Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and the Kunjin Virus present with similar symptoms in people.

Symptoms of Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and Kunjin Virus:
Symptoms vary from mild to severe. A sudden onset of fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, headache and dizziness are common. In severe cases brain dysfunction may develop after a few days with confusion, irritability, drowsiness, neck stiffness, convulsion and fits at which point coma and death may follow. Recovery from the encephalitic syndrome usually results in residual mental or functional disability.

Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever can occur mainly in northern Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. Australia was considered to be Dengue free following on from a large Townsville outbreak in 1955, however a major outbreak occurred in northern Queensland in 1981.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever:
Most people become unwell within 5 to 8 days of contact with an infectious mosquito and lasts about 4 to 7 days. Symptoms of Dengue range from mild fever through to severe and potentially life threatening disease. The infection usually affects older children and adults with fever, severe pain in the muscles and joints and also violent headaches. A severe form of Dengue involves internal bleeding (a life threatening haemorrhagic disease).

How to Prevent Infection
For travellers and campers prevention measures include:

Apply an effective mosquito repellant. The most effective repellents contain diethyl toluamide (DEET) at 5% to 20% (50 - 200 g/litre) or Picaridin. Note that most repellents loose their effectiveness within 4 hours of application, maybe less.
Cover up with loose fitting light covered clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware that mosquitoes can still bite you through tight fitting clothes.
Install Flexible Magnetic Insect Screens to your vehicle's windows, a Tailgate Insect Screen Assembly to the rear door of your van or use one of our Throw over Mosquito Nets. You can view these products on the products page on our website.

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