A perfect storm of heat, rain and flooding in the state has created an ideal environment for mosquito numbers to soar this summer.
Only a month into the mozzie season, SA monitoring traps have already detected more than five times the usual whole-season amount of mosquitoes carrying the Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV).
In the Riverland and Murray Mallee areas there have been high numbers of Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and Kunjin/West Nile Virus (WNV/KUN).
This season there is also a higher number of Culex annulirostris, the main mosquito species which carries Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
SA Health has advised all South Australians to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the viruses they may carry.
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the best protection against serious and life-threatening mosquito borne diseases was to not get bitten in the first place.
“We have an explosion in mosquito populations at the moment, so it is vital that South Australians protect themselves,” she said.
“Remain vigilant, wear long-sleeved and light-coloured clothes and apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus if you are outside. This will help reduce your exposure.”
Tips from SA Health to remain bite free include:
• Wear long, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can.
• Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD)
• Apply repellent evenly to all areas of exposed skin, like you would with sunscreen
• Reapply regularly, as per the label instructions
• Stop mosquitos coming indoors with mesh over doors, windows and vents
• Remove stagnant water from around your home – including fresh or salt water in puddles, bird baths, paddling pools, roof gutters, pots and containers
