January 19, 2021
High mosquito numbers spark health fears
The Public Health Unit of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has issued a mosquito alert after finding particularly high numbers of the insects at Alfords Point last week.
The Public Health Unit issued a mosquito alert for Georges River today via its Facebook page after mosquito trappings last week found "very high number of saltmarsh mosquitoes at Alfords Point".
"These mozzies can pass on Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection to humans," the alert said.
It warned anyone who lives in the area or is visiting the area, especially for activities such as camping, hiking, boating, fishing or bird watching, to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
According to NSW Health, mosquitoes can transmit a number of serious diseases.
"To protect against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they transmit, cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and long pants when outside, apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin, take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk, remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors," NSW Health said.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) carries out surveillance of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections as part of its Arbovirus Surveillance program.
It says there is a potentially increased risk of local transmission of both viruses around the Georges River, especially 2234 and 2210 postcodes.
The Public Health Unit issued a mosquito alert for Georges River today via its Facebook page after mosquito trappings last week found "very high number of saltmarsh mosquitoes at Alfords Point".
"These mozzies can pass on Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection to humans," the alert said.
It warned anyone who lives in the area or is visiting the area, especially for activities such as camping, hiking, boating, fishing or bird watching, to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
According to NSW Health, mosquitoes can transmit a number of serious diseases.
"To protect against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they transmit, cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and long pants when outside, apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin, take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk, remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors," NSW Health said.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) carries out surveillance of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections as part of its Arbovirus Surveillance program.
It says there is a potentially increased risk of local transmission of both viruses around the Georges River, especially 2234 and 2210 postcodes.
