Ronan Kelly
Retired 2020
Residents warned about Ross River virus
07 Apr 10 @ 09:49am
The Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitoes tapped in the Hawkesbury and Ryde areas, according to the Sydney West Area Health Service.
A PUBLIC health alert has been issued after the discovery of Ross River virus in the Hawkesbury and Ryde areas.
The warning came from the Sydney West Area Health Service last week.
Health service medical officer Vicky Sheppeard said: ?Recent rains followed by warm weather can quickly lead to an increase in mosquito numbers.
?We have now identified the Ross River virus in mosquitoes trapped in the Ryde and Hawkesbury areas so it?s important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites to avoid catching the virus.
?People living in areas near constructed or natural waterways should take particular care to avoid being bitten.?
She said Ross River fever can cause a flu-like illness. Symptoms include fever, chills, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and, sometimes, fatigue, swelling of joints and a rash.
The incubation period (the time between being bitten by a mosquito and becoming ill) ranges from three days to three weeks.
?The illness usually lasts between a few days to weeks,? Dr Sheppeard said.
?Occasionally, however, the symptoms can hang around for up to a year.?
She said anyone with persistent flu-like symptoms or joint pains, and who was bitten by mosquitoes, should see their doctor and be tested for Ross River virus.
?While there is no specific treatment for the illness, rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help,? Dr Sheppeard said.
?Fortunately the virus does not cause permanent damage and complete recovery is the rule?.
Details: 4734 2022, 9840 3603 or visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
* Covering up with loose-fitting, light coloured clothing with long sleeves, pants and socks;
* Using insect repellent on any exposed skin (the most effective repellents contain DEET or picaridin, according to the health service):
* Ensure that all doors and windows are fitted with flyscreens;
* When camping or on holiday, make sure your accommodation (including your tent) has flyscreen that is in good condition.
ANTI-BREEDING TIPS
* Remove all rubbish holding stagnant water from around the yard;
* Regularly flush out pot-plant bases;
* Keep guttering clear;
* Mow lawns regularly and clear any areas of moist, tangled undergrowth;
* Make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely.
http://mt-druitt-standard.whereilive.com.au/news/story/residents-warned-about-ross-river-virus/
07 Apr 10 @ 09:49am
The Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitoes tapped in the Hawkesbury and Ryde areas, according to the Sydney West Area Health Service.
A PUBLIC health alert has been issued after the discovery of Ross River virus in the Hawkesbury and Ryde areas.
The warning came from the Sydney West Area Health Service last week.
Health service medical officer Vicky Sheppeard said: ?Recent rains followed by warm weather can quickly lead to an increase in mosquito numbers.
?We have now identified the Ross River virus in mosquitoes trapped in the Ryde and Hawkesbury areas so it?s important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites to avoid catching the virus.
?People living in areas near constructed or natural waterways should take particular care to avoid being bitten.?
She said Ross River fever can cause a flu-like illness. Symptoms include fever, chills, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and, sometimes, fatigue, swelling of joints and a rash.
The incubation period (the time between being bitten by a mosquito and becoming ill) ranges from three days to three weeks.
?The illness usually lasts between a few days to weeks,? Dr Sheppeard said.
?Occasionally, however, the symptoms can hang around for up to a year.?
She said anyone with persistent flu-like symptoms or joint pains, and who was bitten by mosquitoes, should see their doctor and be tested for Ross River virus.
?While there is no specific treatment for the illness, rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help,? Dr Sheppeard said.
?Fortunately the virus does not cause permanent damage and complete recovery is the rule?.
Details: 4734 2022, 9840 3603 or visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
* Covering up with loose-fitting, light coloured clothing with long sleeves, pants and socks;
* Using insect repellent on any exposed skin (the most effective repellents contain DEET or picaridin, according to the health service):
* Ensure that all doors and windows are fitted with flyscreens;
* When camping or on holiday, make sure your accommodation (including your tent) has flyscreen that is in good condition.
ANTI-BREEDING TIPS
* Remove all rubbish holding stagnant water from around the yard;
* Regularly flush out pot-plant bases;
* Keep guttering clear;
* Mow lawns regularly and clear any areas of moist, tangled undergrowth;
* Make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely.
http://mt-druitt-standard.whereilive.com.au/news/story/residents-warned-about-ross-river-virus/