More mozzies increase Ross River danger

High mosquito numbers are putting South West residents at greater risk of Ross River virus as authorities warn people to take precautions as the weather warms.

Department of Health senior scientific officer Andrew Jardine predicts late September rain and higher tides will favour breeding and mosquito numbers will rise compared with last year.

The insect specialist explained lower rainfalls and environmental factors conducive to keeping mosquitoes at bay had resulted in lower numbers last year but would not be the case this summer.

“In regards to Ross River virus, we are still seeing low numbers but that will probably change with the increase in mosquitoes and warmer weather,” Mr Jardine said.

“We have begun regular trapping in Capel and Bunbury and are now seeing the numbers rise with a couple of hundred per trap.”

Surveillance in Bunbury, Harvey, Dardanup and Capel show the average number of mosquitoes collected per trap is now about 300, which is up from 24 at the end of July.

Residents in the South West are urged to be alert and to take extra precautions to avoid being bitten over the coming months by avoiding outdoor exposure, applying repellent and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.

Department of Health managing scientist of environmental health hazards Michael Lindsay said it was important the community remained mindful of the risks of mosquito-borne disease.

“Mosquitoes in Perth and the South West can transmit Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus,” he said.

“Given there is no vaccine or specific cure for either disease, the best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites.”

Prior to last year, more than 1000 mosquitoes per trap were collected in the region during October and it is likely numbers may return to those levels again this year.