Are you at risk? Rising floodwaters and heatwaves trigger nationwide health alarm
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In recent months, much of the country has been deluged with rain and extreme heat, causing widespread flooding across several states.
While the wet conditions may temporarily relieve bushfires and drought, health authorities are now sounding the alarm about a surge in mosquito-borne diseases as temperatures rise.
Residents in flood-impacted areas across Victoria, New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, and South Australia are urged to stay vigilant as the disease risk escalates.
The floodwaters have created an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as the Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis.
But it’s not just those in flood-affected areas who need to be cautious. Mosquito season spans from November to April, putting the entire country at the mercy of these insects.
During a recent visit to the flood-hit town of Seymour, located 104 km north of Melbourne, Victoria's Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, warned locals of the impending danger.
'Pooling water and warm weather unfortunately create ripe conditions for mosquito numbers to soar,' she said. 'It’s important that people in flood-affected areas know how to protect themselves from disease in the coming weeks.'
Paul Byleveld, NSW's Acting Director of Environmental Health, echoed this sentiment, stating that Japanese encephalitis had recently been detected in the state.
'Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,' he said.
'People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of Japanese encephalitis in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW,’ Mr Byleveld added.
While deaths from mosquito-borne diseases are rare in Australia, they can still occur. Since January 1, 2021, there have been seven deaths from Japanese encephalitis.
Moreover, the symptoms of these viruses can be debilitating, ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.
They can transmit diseases without being affected themselves. Nearly 700 million people get a mosquito-borne illness each year, resulting in over one million deaths.
In Australia, the most common diseases spread by mosquitoes are the Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and dengue virus.
More recently, there has been an increase in cases of Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis.
Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses can cause joint inflammation, pain, fatigue, and muscle aches.
On the other hand, Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis are much rarer but can cause severe symptoms, including headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, and convulsions, especially in children.
While there is no specific treatment for these diseases, symptoms can be managed with medications for pain and fever, plenty of rest, and drinking lots of water.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Stay safe and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Have you been affected by the recent floods, members? Share your experiences and tips for dealing with mosquitoes in the comments below.
While the wet conditions may temporarily relieve bushfires and drought, health authorities are now sounding the alarm about a surge in mosquito-borne diseases as temperatures rise.
Residents in flood-impacted areas across Victoria, New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, and South Australia are urged to stay vigilant as the disease risk escalates.
The floodwaters have created an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as the Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis.
Aussies in flood-impacted areas are urged to stay on high alert for mosquito-borne diseases. Source: icon0.com/Pexels
But it’s not just those in flood-affected areas who need to be cautious. Mosquito season spans from November to April, putting the entire country at the mercy of these insects.
During a recent visit to the flood-hit town of Seymour, located 104 km north of Melbourne, Victoria's Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, warned locals of the impending danger.
'Pooling water and warm weather unfortunately create ripe conditions for mosquito numbers to soar,' she said. 'It’s important that people in flood-affected areas know how to protect themselves from disease in the coming weeks.'
Paul Byleveld, NSW's Acting Director of Environmental Health, echoed this sentiment, stating that Japanese encephalitis had recently been detected in the state.
'Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,' he said.
'People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of Japanese encephalitis in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW,’ Mr Byleveld added.
While deaths from mosquito-borne diseases are rare in Australia, they can still occur. Since January 1, 2021, there have been seven deaths from Japanese encephalitis.
Moreover, the symptoms of these viruses can be debilitating, ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.
So, how can you protect yourself during this high-risk period?
Here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted by mosquitoes.They can transmit diseases without being affected themselves. Nearly 700 million people get a mosquito-borne illness each year, resulting in over one million deaths.
In Australia, the most common diseases spread by mosquitoes are the Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and dengue virus.
More recently, there has been an increase in cases of Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis.
Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses can cause joint inflammation, pain, fatigue, and muscle aches.
On the other hand, Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis are much rarer but can cause severe symptoms, including headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, and convulsions, especially in children.
While there is no specific treatment for these diseases, symptoms can be managed with medications for pain and fever, plenty of rest, and drinking lots of water.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Stay safe and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Have you been affected by the recent floods, members? Share your experiences and tips for dealing with mosquitoes in the comments below.
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