Health Warning On Mosquitoes And Ross River Virus

Residents and visitors to the Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula areas of Victoria are being warned to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitos in Anglesea. Taking measures to avoid mosquito bites is a critical step to protect against diseases.

Schools have obligations under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations (2019) to take reasonable steps to control mosquito breeding grounds. Removing stagnant water at least once a week can prevent mosquitos from breeding around the school property. This includes in flowerpots, tyres, buckets and tins.

Find out more

For more information, read the full advisory at Health warning on mosquitoes and Ross River virus in south-west Victoria.

For further enquires, contact the Health Promotion, Prevention and Advice unit via email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au

Residents and visitors to the Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula areas of Victoria are being warned to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Anglesea.

These viruses can cause symptoms including joint pain and stiffness, headache, fever, rash and fatigue.

The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. Protective measures include:

* regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin (for children it’s safer to spray or rub insect repellents on their clothes rather than directly onto their skin)

* wearing long, loose-fitting clothes when outside

* ensuring accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens

* limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active

* removing stagnant water from around your property at least every week. This includes in flowerpots, pet bowls, bird baths and buckets.

A range of information about protecting against mosquito bites is available on the Better Health Channel’s Beat the Bite web page.