Territorians and visitors planning outdoor activities this Easter long weekend are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz explained that the Easter period falls within the high risk period for mosquito borne diseases such as Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin virus disease.

“The Centre for Disease Control is warning of the need to protect against being bitten by mosquitoes while enjoying camping and fishing trips this Easter weekend,” she said.

“Although mosquito numbers are currently low in Top End urban areas and Central Australia, they can still occur in relatively high numbers locally in rural areas close to swamps and wetlands.”

To avoid mosquito borne disease, Ms Kurucz encouraged people to cover up, use repellent and avoid outdoor exposure around mosquito prone areas after sundown until the end of June.

“The MVE and Kunjin viruses are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, which mainly breeds in vegetated freshwater habitats and is active at night and in the early morning.”

MVE and Kunjin virus activity in the Northern Territory is monitored through a combined Department of Health and Department of Primary Industry and Resources surveillance system.

“Recent results indicate possible Kunjin virus activity in the Darwin rural and Barkly regions, but test results still need to be verified,” Ms Kurucz said.

MVE can be a very serious disease, in some cases causing delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death. Symptoms can include severe headache, high fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizure.

Kunjin virus has similar symptoms but rarely leads to encephalitis.

To minimise the risk of mosquito borne disease you should:

• ensure that children especially are well 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, between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquitoes are likely to be active
• use a protective skin repellent containing 20% DEET or picaridin, with gels and creams being most effective.

Media Contact: Sally Edwards 0491 228 375