The state government is urging Victorians to be proactive in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases this season, with warm weather elevating the risk of transmission in several regions across the state.

Inspecting the mosquito surveillance program at LaTrobe University’s AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, said preparation was the key to staying safe.

“As we spend more time in Victoria’s great outdoors this summer, it’s vital to be aware of the risks associated with mosquito-borne disease and how to prevent transmission, including vaccination and regularly applying repellent,” Ms Thomas said.

“The hardworking team at AgriBio play a critical role in forecasting mosquito seasons, helping our health experts provide an early warning to protect Victorians.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said AgriBio, a joint initiative between the state government and LaTrobe University, was a world-class facility whose leading agricultural bioscience research, including mosquito surveillance, was making a real difference right across Victoria.

One of the AgriBio Centre’s functions is to analyse samples from 60 traps across Victoria to identify mosquito-borne diseases – a task undertaken each week during the mosquito breeding season between November and late April.

Following last season’s heavy rain and flooding, conditions have created an ideal environment for disease in the mosquito population – with critical surveillance work highlighting the risk of illness could be higher than normal this mosquito season.

Mosquito-borne diseases cannot spread from person to person, and most cases will be mild, but for some people, transmission can lead to severe and long-term health complications.

These complications are worsened if a mosquito is carrying Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River, Barmah Forest, and West Nile viruses.

Simple and practical steps that Victorians can undertake to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes include:

  • Covering up by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing – mosquitos can bite through tight clothing;
  • Using mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin;
  • Checking the repellent label before applying to children – spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin especially their hands;
  • Limiting outdoor activity if there is a significant uptick in mosquitoes and using’ knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent while sitting or eating outdoors;
  • Removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite;
  • Making sure accommodation is fitted with mosquito netting or screens while on holiday.

Victorians in high-risk local government areas are also eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccines – available at GPs, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, community pharmacies and local councils.

More information is available on the Better Health Channel and Department of Health website.