Making rounds: Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas (left) with Seymour Health board chair Sue van Buuren and chief executive Ward Steet at Seymour Health. Photo: Faith Macale
Photo by
Faith Macale
Floods and warm summer weather in Seymour are creating the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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Public health measures are implemented during mosquito season to prevent and control diseases.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Seymour Health on Thursday, January 11, to encourage those living in flood-impacted areas to be on high alert in the coming weeks.
“With the recent flooding, it’s really important that we take extra precautions against mosquito-borne viruses and diseases,” Ms Thomas said.
“That’s why I’m encouraging all Victorians, particularly those in our flood-affected communities, to take steps to prevent mosquito bites in the first place.”
Mosquito-borne diseases cannot spread from person to person, and most cases will be mild.
Still, transmissions of some diseases, such as Japanese encephalitis, can lead to severe and long-term health complications.
Inspecting: Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Seymour Health chief executive Ward Steet, with board chair Sue van Buuren looking on, at Whiteheads Creek, one of the areas flooded on January 8. Photo: Faith Macale
Photo by
Faith Macale
“The good news is there have been no detected cases of Japanese encephalitis here in Victoria this year,” Ms Thomas said.
“Mitchell Shire is not classed as a high-risk community at this stage, but of course, we’re always monitoring and keeping an eye on Japanese encephalitis.”
Victorians in high-risk areas are eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Saving lives: Seymour Health paramedics talked to Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas about the recent floods. Photo: Faith Macale
Photo by
Faith Macale
While Mitchell Shire is not considered high risk yet, here are precautions to take to reduce the risks of getting bitten by a mosquito:
Cover up by wearing long, loose-fitting clothing — mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.
Use mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
Check the repellent label before applying on children — spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin, especially their hands.
Limit outdoor activity if there is a significant uptick in mosquitoes, and use ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent while sitting or eating outdoors.
Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or campsite.
Make sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
“These are simple steps that can really make a big difference and stop you being bitten in the first place,” Ms Thomas said.
“The Department of Health, in partnership with Agriculture Victoria, has an extensive surveillance scheme in place.
“The community can be assured that we are on the watch-out for any of these mosquito-borne viruses, and we’ll make sure that the community is alerted.”
