MLA slams virus control

The Health Department has hit back at claims from Collie Preston MLA Mick Murray who says it is not doing enough to prevent the spread of Ross River Virus.

Following a surge in Ross River cases in the Capel-Bunbury region, Mr Murray said the department needed to look at more effective management of preventing big numbers of mosquitoes gathering.

‘‘For all their efforts in monitoring, research and advice the Department of Health is providing, the rise in the number of reported cases shows that it’s just not working,’’ he said.

Mr Murray urged the Government to spend more money combating the causes of the virus to save time and money for people who would be infected.

‘‘We don’t want our hospitals cluttered up with people needing treatment and rehabilitation so the money should be spent before the problem arises,’’ he said.

But a spokesman for the department said the mosquito control mechanisms operated by the department ran year in, year out regardless of weather conditions which could influence mosquito numbers.

He said the first application of aerial mosquito larvicide took place in late August in anticipation of a busier than normal mosquito season.

‘‘This was done in recognition of the importance of keeping mosquito populations in check early in a season that was predicted to be of potential concern,’’ he said.

There has also been a record number of aerial sprays this year with 39 undertaken so far.

Health MinisterKimHames said in Parliament last week there had been an increase in cases of Ross River Virus in both Bunbury and Capel with 29 and 45 cases reported in the towns respectively.

The increase led Mr Murray to call for an increase in funding from the Department of Health for preventative measures to control mosquito numbers.

The spokesman for the department urged people in the Capel and Bunbury to take all precautions possible to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. Tony Hopkins