With Victorians urged to be on alert for Japanese encephalitis virus, following detection in Victoria this year for the first time, the City of Casey Public Health team has been actively monitoring local waterways known for mosquito breeding.
Japanese encephalitis virus is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by a virus spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Council's Public Health team has been assessing areas around Casey's tidal coastal communities, Melbourne Water causeways such as River Gum Creek Reserve and Gunns Road Reserve, and estates with waterways.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM, said the teams have so far reported no excessive mosquito larvae activity and breeding, however urged local residents to be aware of the risks and do what they can to avoid mosquito bites.
"It is often in less obvious areas that mozzies breed, such as pooled water in pot plants or old containers in the backyard however, with recent rains, the Public Health team will do another thorough assessment of known breeding sites," Ms Duff said.
"We are sharing our data with the Victorian Department of Health and encourage everyone to follow the mosquito bite prevention advice that has been issued, particularly when camping or if undertaking trips to areas where Japanese encephalitis has been detected."
Mozzie-proof your home and yard by:
- Emptying flowerpot dishes, tyres, buckets and children's toys that can hold water, at least once a week.
- Tipping out and replacing water in bird baths and pet bowls at least once a week.
- Sealing water tanks.
- Cleaning out the gutters to make sure water is flowing freely.
- Protect yourself when outdoors by wearing long, loose-fitting clothes - mozzies can bite through tight clothing.
- Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
- If mosquito numbers are high, limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible.
Learn about simple steps to beat the bite at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite
