MOSQUITO GROUP CONTINUES TREATMENTS ACROSS THE REGION

Mosquitoes carrying Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) continue to be detected in the Peel Region and the Health Department has been advising local governments that it is being notified by doctors in the Peel and South West regions of people being diagnosed with RRV infections. (http://www.health.wa.gov.au/press/)

Acting Chief Executive Officer Allan Claydon said this was a worrying sign and urged people to take precautionary measures against being bitten by mosquitoes.

“It only takes one bite from a disease carrying mosquito to contract Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus, both of which can severely impede on the quality of lifestyle that we all would like to enjoy,” Mr Claydon said.

“The Peel Mosquito Management Group is doing all it can to control mosquito populations by continually monitoring tides and weather conditions that could lead to adult mosquitoes breeding and by carrying out aerial treatments on days when these treatments are most likely to be effective in reducing mosquito numbers.

“Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution to controlling mosquitoes in the Peel Region so it is vital that people in the community protect themselves by applying a mosquito repellent with the ingredient DEET, wearing light- coloured long loose fitting clothing, and limiting their outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.”

In the interests of community health and comfort, the Peel Mosquito Management Group will be providing regular updates to the community on mosquito activity and the aerial and on-ground treatments.

The Peel Mosquito Management Group, which includes the Cities of Mandurah and Rockingham and the Shires of Murray and Waroona in collaboration with the WA Department of Health, undertakes mosquito management across the Peel Region.

RELEASE ENDS

3 October 2008