Mosquitoes are a buzzing health threat, here’s how to protect yourself

By Taylah Baker

Feb 20, 2024

**Prepare and prevent:** Greater Shepparton residents are being warned the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is expected to increase in the coming months. Photo by Simon Bingham

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases is expected to increase in the upcoming months across the region due to a rise in mosquito numbers.

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Greater Shepparton City Council said it is keeping a close eye on the mosquito population in the area after recent warm and wet weather.

It said insect repellent and wearing clothing that covers the skin are the best ways to protect from mosquito bites.

Other recommendations include:

Wearing loose-fitting and long clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes
Applying mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin
Cutting down on outdoor activities if there are too many mosquitoes around
Removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around households or campsites at least once a week
Ensuring mosquito netting or screens are equipped around households
Using ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils containing pyrethrum or plug-in repellent or surface spray in areas where one sits or eats outside
Checking the insect repellent label for kids. For babies, it may be necessary to spray or rub repellent on their clothes rather than their skin. Do not apply repellent to the hands of young children or babies.

To prevent infection, council has also suggested the community gets vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis, a rare but severe infection of the brain that can spread to humans through mosquito bites.

However, the JE vaccine will not protect against other mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River Fever, Barmah Forest Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis, or West Nile (Kunjin) virus.

The best way for individuals to keep themselves safe from these diseases is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.

The JE vaccine is free for eligible Victorians who live or work in high-risk areas of Victoria and meet additional criteria.

For further information on the eligibility criteria, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/japanese-encephalitis

To receive the JE vaccine, book into one of council’s JE immunisation clinics or visit your local GP.

To book into a council clinic, visit greatershepparton.com.au/community/safety-and-wellbeing/immunisation/japanese-encephalitis-vaccinations

For further information on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease