Protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne disease: River virus outbreak in south-east Queensland confirmed, thousands more cases expected
Ross River virus outbreak in south-east Queensland confirmed, thousands more cases expected
Health authorities have confirmed an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus Ross River in southern Queensland, with one expert saying he expects thousands more cases to emerge.Heavy rain and high tides have been blamed for a rise in mosquito numbers and a significant increase in the number of people falling ill due to being bitten.Earlier this month 380 people had been infected with the virus, and this figure has now risen to 1,000 cases since the start of the year, according to Queensland Health figures..
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne disease:
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors.Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.Try to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about (usually dusk and dawn).Make sure there is no stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home.On holidays make sure your accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito netting or screens.Don’t forget the kids – it’s safer to spray or rub insect repellents on their clothes rather than directly onto their skin.
Brochure: Beat the bite! (1209kb, pdf)Poster: Beat the bite! (557kb, pdf)Fact sheet: Protect babies and small children (400kb, pdf)Fact sheet: FAQs about mosquito repellents (402kb, pdf)Fact sheet: Mozzie-proof your home (408kb, pdf)Fact sheet: Mozzie-proof your holiday (400kb, pdf)