The recent wet weather is expected to lead to an ‘explosion in mosquito numbers’, increasing the risk of various diseases.
Townsville residents are being urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten and contracting mosquito-borne diseases like Ross River Fever, Barmah Forest Virus and Dengue Fever.
Townsville’s Director of Public Health Dr Steven Donohue says mosquito-borne disease cases usually spike following the rain.
“Particularly in the next few weeks after the heavy rain we would expect an explosion in mosquito numbers,” he says.
“People now have to be really careful about preventing mosquito bites on yourself and your family.”
Dr Donohue says there are various types of mozzies that carry the different diseases.
“There are the ones that cause a mild viral illness followed by very nasty arthritis that can last for months, and I’m talking about Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus,” he says.
“There’s another group that cause, rarely, a severe disease of the brain called encephalitis.”
Locals should remove any built up water around their properties as they provide ideal breeding grounds for mozzies.
Using personal protections like wearing insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing, avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk, and using mosquito coils around the house is also encouraged.
So far in 2023, there has been two cases of Barmah Forest Virus and six cases of Ross River Fever in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.
