With the Easter long weekend ahead, Department of Health is urging people to cover up and protect themselves against mosquitoes.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) activity has been detected in the Top End and Barkly regions through the flavi virus surveillance program run by Department of Health in liaison with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries.

Medical entomologist, Nina Kurucz explained that the MVE virus can be transmitted by the common banded mosquito, which can occur in high numbers in the late wet season. The high risk period for MVE virus transmission is March to the end of June.

The common banded mosquito is active at night, and rural areas are expected to see the biggest mosquito numbers, as fish and other mosquito predators have restricted or no access to pooled water where mosquitoes breed and mosquito control activities are not possible.

“With Territorians traditionally enjoying camping and fishing trips over the Easter weekend, mosquito bite prevention is essential to prevent mosquito-borne diseases,” Ms Kurucz said.

Ms Kurucz encouraged people to cover up, use repellent and avoid outdoor exposure around mosquito prone areas, such as creeks and wetlands especially after sundown, until the end of June.

To minimise the risk of mosquito borne disease you should:

• ensure children are protected against mosquito bites.
• avoid outdoor exposure around dusk, and at night, within 2 km of swamps, creeks, rivers, billabongs and other flooded or low lying areas.
• use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns, and apply barrier sprays containing bifenthrin in patio and outdoor areas near houses.
• use mosquito proof accommodation and camping facilities at night.
• wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers, and ankle protection with socks.
• use a protective mosquito repellent containing 20% DEET or picaridin and apply as per label advice, gels and creams usually provide better protection.

Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 0427 596 954