Health experts urge residents to protect against mozzie bites
Residents in Sydney’s southwest are being urged to arm themselves with insect repellant after a virus was recently detected in mosquitoes around the Georges River.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Residents in Sydney’s southwest are being urged to arm themselves with insect repellant after a virus was recently detected in mosquitoes around the Georges River.
Barmah Forest virus, an infection that is transmitted to humans through bites from an infected mosquito, was detected in mosquitoes around the river by The NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program.
High numbers of the saltmarsh mosquito have been found near the Deepwater Park area along the Georges River.
Symptoms usually develop about 7-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include fever, rash, sore joints and a feeling of tiredness or weakness.
These symptoms usually subside after several days although some people may experience them for weeks or months.
Public Health Unit acting director Dr Kate Alexander said there had so far been no reports of the virus locally.
“The Public Health Unit is monitoring notified cases of Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infection as in previous years to determine numbers of cases, and in particular, whether it seems likely the infection has been acquired locally or elsewhere,” Dr Alexander said.
She said the best way to avoid infection was to avoid being bitten.
“Members of the public should see their local doctor if they experience these symptoms. The infection is diagnosed by a blood test and a second blood test taken two to four weeks after the first may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.”
There is no specific treatment for the virus.