Health authorities in Sydney have issued warnings after Ross River virus was detected in mosquitoes in three western locations – Deepwater Park, Sydney Olympic Park and Bankstown. From a NSW Health media statement, the ‘Director of Environmental Health Dr Richard Broome said while Ross River infection was relatively rare in Sydney, high numbers of mosquitoes at this time of year mean people should be cautious.’ Read more. On the other side of the country, the Murray Valley encephalitis virus has been found for the first time this year in sentinel chickens in Western Australia’s East Kimberley. While the risk of contracting the virus is still considered low during the current wet season, visitors to the area and residents have been alerted to the need for using mosquito bite precautions.
Advice for travellers
Cases of Ross River occur throughout Australia, including more temperate southern states. Travellers visiting areas of Australia affected by recent flooding or continuing rain should take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Use a personal effective insect effective ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) when outdoors and wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing – especially at dawn and dusk, the times of day when RRV-carrying insects are most active. Read more on RRV from NSW Health.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.