The Department of Health is urging people to protect themselves from salt marsh mosquitoes, as numbers are expected to increase in coastal areas following a 7.74 metre tide and recent rainfall.
Elevated numbers are expected to increase on 3 December, with numbers expected to further increase over the next weeks until the arrival of the monsoon.
The increase of salt marsh mosquito numbers will occur despite mosquito control carried out in the Darwin area by the Department’s Medical Entomology unit, as the mosquitoes can fly up to 50km.
“Since July this year, the Department’s aerial mosquito control program has already carried out 11 aerial mosquito control operations, with a total of 883 hectares controlled in the extensive swamp system bordering the northern Darwin suburbs," Nina Kurucz, Director of Medical Entomology, said.
Known mosquito breeding areas in Darwin urban areas, Charles Darwin National Park and Casuarina Coastal Reserve are also treated for mosquito breeding in liaison with the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Salt marsh mosquitoes can carry the Ross River virus. The high risk period for the virus starts in December, but the disease can be contracted all year around. Therefore, personal protection from mosquitoes is important to avoid mosquito borne disease.
To avoid being bitten people in Top End coastal areas are advised to:
- Avoid locations near coastal swamps and mangrove areas when mosquito numbers are high.
- Use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night.
- Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, long trousers and socks, especially between dusk and dawn in areas where mosquito are likely to bite.
- Use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET or Picaridin as a supplement to protective clothing, with creams providing best protection.
- Use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays in patio and outdoor areas near houses.
- Ensure children and animals are adequately protected against mosquito bites.
Head to the NT Health website to view the salt marsh mosquito pest calendar.
Media contact: Michelle Foster 0459 166 801