Greater Shepparton City Council is continuing to monitor the mosquito population across the region, which has the potential to increase due to the recent warm and wet weather.
The most effective protection from mosquito bites is to use insect repellent and cover up. Some simple tips include:
- Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing. Cover up and wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
- Use mosquito repellents containing picardin, 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 at least once a week.
- Make sure your home is fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
- Use ‘knockdown’ fly spray, surface spray, mosquito coils containing pyrethrum or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat outdoors.
- 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.
The risk of mosquito-borne diseases will increase in the coming months across the region, as mosquito numbers increase. Council is advising the community that it is not too late to get vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
Japanese Encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain that is caused by a virus that can spread to humans through mosquito bites. It is best to be prepared – JE vaccination can protect you against infection.
