| Mosquito Control
Effective mosquito control is currently not possible
in most areas of Western Australia where MVE virus occurs
because the mosquito breeding areas which require treatment
are large and hard to reach. Some local governments
do carry out insecticide fogging to kill adult mosquitoes
but this is only partially and temporarily effective
and cannot be relied upon for effective disease prevention.
Try to avoid contact with mosquitoes
The main mosquito carrier of MVE virus is most active
around sunset and for the first few hours of the evening.
Therefore, plan barbecues and sporting events for daytime
or early evening rather than after sunset. Adult mosquitoes
are very susceptible to their bodies drying out, so
they are much less active during daylight and in windy
conditions than at night or on cloudy, humid, still
days. Generally, mosquitoes are most active for one
to three hours after sunset and again around dawn. It
is therefore possible to reduce the risk of contracting
mosquito-borne viruses by timing outdoor activities
to avoid periods of greatest mosquito activity.
Use clothing and insect repellent
Cover up with long, loose-fitting and preferably light-coloured
clothing to prevent mosquito bites - remember that mosquitoes
can bite through clothing which is tight against the
skin (even denim jeans). When outdoors, particularly
after sunset, carry an effective mosquito repellent
for use if mosquitoes are around. The most effective
repellents contain either diethyl toluamide (DEET) at
between S and 20 per cent (50200g/litre) or Picaridin,
and are most effective in lotion form.
Mosquito repellents are an important way of avoiding
exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. However, as with
all chemicals they should be applied in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions, especially to infants
and young children.
|
Mosquito
bites can carry fatal diseases