Residents of the Top End are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites following signs of Kunjin virus activity in the region.
Kunjin is a rare but serious disease, transmitted by the common banded mosquito. The symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, joint pain, muscle pain and a rash. In rare cases the disease progresses to encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Testing of sentinel chickens, carried out by Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories as part of the Department of Health’s flavi virus surveillance program showed that the Kunjin virus is currently active in the Darwin region.
The Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz, explained that “environmental conditions are currently favourable for the virus in the Top End and that the mosquitoes, that can carry the virus, are expected to increase, especially in the East Arnhem region and other areas affected by the flooding rain associated with Cyclone Lam”.
An increase of salt marsh mosquitoes, which can carry the Ross River virus, is also expected in coastal areas of the East Arnhem region due to flooding rains and the high tide on Friday 20 February 2015.
To minimise the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes people should:
- wear protective light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and ankle protection with socks, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito bites are likely;
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk, and at night, near wetlands and areas of dense vegetation as well as other areas of high mosquito activity;
- use a protective repellent containing 20% DEET or Picaridin and other mosquito protection devices as a supplement to protective clothing when out doors at night in areas of mosquito activity;
- ensure children are adequately protected against mosquito bites;
- consider bifenthrin insecticide barrier treatments by pest control companies for use around residential grounds;
- use mosquito proof accommodation and camping facilities at night.