Victorians warned about mosquito-borne diseases with insects “repeatedly” testing for viruses

Mosquitoes are ‘repeatedly’ being shown to carry the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. Here’s how to protect yourself from the diseases

Victorians have been advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases as mozzie populations flourish in stagnant flood water and summer warmth.

Health authorities are concerned about the pest after finding mosquitos carrying Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses.

There were 14 cases of Japanese encephalitis detected in Victoria in the past 12 months, with the most recent case being found in a 20-year-old Campaspe LGA resident.

The man is thought to have become infected in early November of 2022 and recovered from the illness.

No cases of the virus were detected from 2018 to 2021 and one was reported in 2017, Department of Health data shows.

Ross River virus infections were down by nearly a third in 2022 compared with 2021, with only one case detected so far this year in the Swan Hill area.

Barmah Forest virus infections numbered just five in each of the past two years and none have been found in the first week of 2023.

Some health care providers in northern Victoria said the number of patients presenting with flood-related diseases had not changed.

Beechworth Health Service acting CEO Carolyn Shaw said there was not a single presentation recently and Echuca Regional Health said it had not seen an increase.

Nevertheless, the Department of Health has urged Victorians to protect themselves against mosquitoes, as insects trapped and tested since November have “repeatedly” been shown to carry the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, for which there are no vaccines.

Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, joint stiffness and headaches.

Although vaccine supply for Japanese encephalitis in Australia is “severely constrained”, the Department of Health encouraged people at high risk to inoculate themselves.

None noticed any marked increases compared to previous years.

Echuca Regional Health Emergency Medicine director Dr Simon Judkins said prevention was better than cure.

“Remember to wear long, loose-fitting clothing, limit activities outdoors particularly if there’s a lot of mosquitoes around, use repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin, and use netting and screens around the home or whilst on holidays at your accommodation,” he said.