Townsville parents urged to spray kids after spike in mozzie numbers
Townsville parents are being asked to spray kids with repellent after an explosion in mosquito numbers after recent rain, as we reveal how many Ross River virus cases there were last week.
Townsville
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Townsville parents are being asked to spray their children with repellent after an explosion in mosquito numbers.
Ryan Catholic College warned parents there had been an “increase of mosquitoes, black flies and biting midges” in and around the college, near the Ross River.
The college urged parents to “apply mozzie repellent on your child each morning” and encouraged senior students to bring their own roll-on repellent to school.
And Good Shepherd Catholic School has told parents in its weekly newsletter that the number of mosquitoes had increased in the area, raising the risk of insect-transmitted illness and infections.
The principal asked parents to sign and return an authority form to allow the school to apply insect repellent on young children.
Director of the Townsville Public Health Unit at the Townsville University Hospital Dr Steven Donohue said it was important to safeguard against mosquito bites.
“To prevent mosquito bites, use a repellent containing DEET or Picaridin and wear long-sleeved, light coloured clothing with shoes,” he said.
“Rain and warmer temperatures provide the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.”
Acting Mayor Les Walker said the council was combating the large numbers of adult mosquitoes impacting Townsville.
“These adult mosquitoes are a combination of both saltmarsh and freshwater species as a result of the recent rainfall,” he said.
“Council’s mosquito management team is out and about across Townsville surveying and treating known mosquito breeding sites as well as any areas of water that may be sitting around on the roadside or in our parks and gardens areas.”
Cr Walker recommended simple steps around the house to help reduce the risk of a mosquito attack.
“Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long clothing, using repellent and emptying any pooled water in their yards,” he said.
In the week ending February 2, there were two confirmed cases of Ross River Virus for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and three in total for the year.
Originally published as Townsville parents urged to spray kids after spike in mozzie numbers