A mosquito researcher says high numbers of mosquitoes in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are likely to remain elevated due to the current conditions.
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The latest NSW Arbovirus Surveillance & Mosquito Monitoring report showed Port Macquarie has high numbers of mosquitoes.
According to the data, this level means there can be up to 1000 mosquitoes in the area.
NSW Health Pathology mosquito researcher Dr Cameron Webb said an increase of mosquitoes in coastal areas is a trend which is occurring, given the recent high rainfall which has fallen recently.
Dr Webb said current weather conditions are fuelling the breeding habits of the mosquitoes, as they love warm temperatures and water environments.
Dr Webb expects populations of the insect to remain high, unless the pools of water dry up or the region is hit with some cooler weather.
In Port Macquarie, Dr Webb said the mosquitoes typically reside in habitats including salt marsh, mangroves and coastal swamp land.
He said recent high tides have also contributed to an increase in the mosquito population.
Meanwhile one case of Ross River virus and one case of Barmah Forest virus has been reported by the Mid North Coast Health District to date in 2020.
The data encompasses the entire Mid North Coast region.
Meanwhile in 2019 there were 12 cases of Barmah Forest and in 2018 there were 11.
There were 59 Ross River cases reported in 2019 and 65 in 2018.
The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding residents and visitors to the Mid North Coast to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes, as they are expected to increase in numbers across the region.
North Public Health Unit assistant director Greg Bell said recent rainfall and warm weather mean mosquito numbers are likely to increase.
"Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways," he said.
Steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:
- When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
- Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin.
- Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
- Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
- When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.
More information about mosquito-borne infections is available on the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx
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