Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://mandurah.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/virus-numbers-increase/1394218.aspx
Virus numbers increase
23/12/2008 3:59:00 PM
THE Department of Health has reminded people to take care against mosquito bites following detection of both Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) in mosquitoes found in the South West.
Department of Health medical entomologist Dr Michael Lindsay said the department?s surveillance program (undertaken by the University of Western Australia) had detected mosquitoes infected with both viruses in recent weeks.
The number of reported cases is above average.
Of 152 cases of RRV disease reported in WA since the start of October 72 are from the South West and 51 are from Perth.
?The unseasonal rain, above average tides and mild start to summer means that mosquitoes are likely to be a bigger problem in some areas these holidays than is normally the case,? Dr Lindsay said.
?At the moment people in coastal communities in the south-west close to salt marshes or wetlands are likely to be at greater risk, but the risk may spread inland and further south in coming weeks.?
The viruses cause painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, chronic fatigue and headaches.
Symptoms can last for weeks or months and the only way to properly diagnose the infections is by having a blood test.
Virus numbers increase
23/12/2008 3:59:00 PM
THE Department of Health has reminded people to take care against mosquito bites following detection of both Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) in mosquitoes found in the South West.
Department of Health medical entomologist Dr Michael Lindsay said the department?s surveillance program (undertaken by the University of Western Australia) had detected mosquitoes infected with both viruses in recent weeks.
The number of reported cases is above average.
Of 152 cases of RRV disease reported in WA since the start of October 72 are from the South West and 51 are from Perth.
?The unseasonal rain, above average tides and mild start to summer means that mosquitoes are likely to be a bigger problem in some areas these holidays than is normally the case,? Dr Lindsay said.
?At the moment people in coastal communities in the south-west close to salt marshes or wetlands are likely to be at greater risk, but the risk may spread inland and further south in coming weeks.?
The viruses cause painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, chronic fatigue and headaches.
Symptoms can last for weeks or months and the only way to properly diagnose the infections is by having a blood test.