Predicted surges in salt marsh mosquito numbers is expected to start this month.

Following a successful Department of Health aerial salt marsh mosquito control operation on 5 August in the Leanyer swamp system, trapping this week showed an influx of mosquitoes from areas outside the control area.

This will lead to large numbers of eggs being laid in mangrove areas, with high numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes expected to emerge following the 7.74 metre tide on 1 September.

Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz advises that high numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes are expected to occur for approximately 2 weeks, starting on 9 September.

“In Top End coastal areas, numbers are expected to be highest for up to 5km from mangrove and brackish water breeding sites, following high tides and rain from September until monsoonal rains flood their breeding sites.”

High mosquito activity is expected in the following areas:

Darwin: Leanyer, Karama, Buffalo Creek, Holmes Jungle, Winnellie/Sadgroves, Lee Point, Muirhead, Tiwi, Lyons.

Palmerston: Mitchell Creek, Brookings Creek, Hudson Creek, Elizabeth River, East Arm.

Rural Area: Noogoo Swamp, Millners Swamp, Howard Swamp, Knuckey's Lagoon, Roberston Barracks, Howard Springs Recreation area, Channel Island, Wickham Point area.

Tidal Areas: Lower Daly River, Lower Adelaide River, Lower Mary River, Lower Alligator Rivers, Lower Roper River, Buffalo Creek, All coastal areas NT near creeks/swamps, Gunn Point, Tiwi Islands, Nhulunbuy.

Inland Areas: Jabiru, Adelaide River township.

Ms Kurucz warned that although we are not in the high risk period of Ross River virus yet, the virus can be contracted all year around, with the salt marsh mosquito capable of transmitting the virus.

People infected with Ross River virus may develop a wide range of symptoms, including painful and swollen joints, sore muscle, skin rash and fatigue.

Symptoms generally last for a few weeks or months, though in some cases they can linger for up to a year.

Protection against bites is the best course of action, as there is no vaccine to prevent Ross River virus.

To protect themselves from being bitten, people in the Top End are advised to:

• Avoid locations near coastal swamps and mangrove areas
• Avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night near areas of dense vegetation and other areas of high mosquito activity
• Use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night
• Wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks between in areas where mosquito bites are likely
• Use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing, with creams proven to provide the best protection
• Use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, and barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses
• Ensure children and animals are adequately protected against mosquito bites.

A salt marsh mosquito pest calendar is available on the DoH website: Pest calendar

Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954