As Top Enders prepare for the long weekend they are being warned to protect themselves from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease Murray Valley Encephalitis.
And the Department of Health said today people in the Barkly are advised that mosquitoes in their region could be carrying Kunjin virus.
The warnings follow a departmental alert last week about high MVE activity in the Darwin region.
Head of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz, said MVE and Kunjin viruses can be transmitted by the common banded mosquito, which is active at night. The high risk period for MVE transmission continues until the end of July.
Ms Kurucz said people should take extra precautions against mosquito bites when camping and fishing this weekend. People most at risk are newcomers to the NT and children under five years of age.
“Although mosquito numbers are relatively low in major NT centres, there are still high numbers within 2km of wetlands and creek systems,” Ms Kurucz said.
“People need to protect themselves, their babies and young children by covering up, using repellent and avoiding outdoor exposure around mosquito prone areas like creeks and wetlands – especially after sundown this weekend.”
To minimise the risk of mosquito borne disease you should:
especially ensure that 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 per cent DEET or picaridin and apply as per label advice.
Ms Kurucz said gels and creams usually provided better personal protection from mosquito bites than spray-on repellents.
Media contact: Fred McCue 0401 119 792