Warmer weather & high rainfall make perfect conditions for a big mosquito season.
Mosquitoes can spread viruses such Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River virus. The best protection measures against mosquitoes and their diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.
This season we’re encouraging event organisers to be proactive
Prior to the Event
- Where practical, consider keeping events indoors
- If indoors, close doors and windows or install fly screens to keep mosquitoes out
- Consider the timing of the event if outdoors. Avoid peak mosquito biting hours i.e. around dawn and dusk
- Consider locations away from water bodies or dense natural vegetation such as lakes, lagoons and wetlands
- In your messaging and advertising for your event, make sure your patrons are aware of precautionary measures to be taken against mosquito bites such as:
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear with socks, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Carrying a supply of mosquito repellent to reapply on exposed skin
- Keeping mosquitoes out when camping. Encourage patrons to bring mosquito nets and screens to prevent entry of mosquitoes in tents
- Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Check outdoor areas at the event location to identify potential breeding habitats such as long grass or water holding containers. Eliminate all potential breeding habitats around the event location
During the Event
- Display posters or distribute flyers to increase mosquito awareness
- Ensure appropriate signage is in place (contact Council for signage)
- Where possible, supply mosquito repellents
- Ensure patrons are covering up while outside
- Through public reminders; regularly encourage patrons to carry, apply and reapply mosquito repellent to exposed skin. Mosquitoes can find and feed on patches of uncovered skin. Repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus should be used on any areas of exposed skin and reapplied regularly. Follow the instructions on the product label when applying repellent
- Reapply mosquito repellent after swimming or any water related activities
- If camping, encourage patrons to use mosquito nets around beds and keep entry points in tents closed or screened
The following links are available for downloading for social media content and posters
Mosquito bite prevention - social media content
- Repellent On & Mosquitoes Off
- Break Up the Romance this Mosquito Season
- Keep Windows Closed to Stop Unwelcome Guests
- Keep Mosquitoes Outside
- Prevent Bites. Cover Up
- Pull Your Socks Up
- Some Mosquitoes Come With Baggage
- Mosquito Bites Can Be More Than Just Annoying
Mosquito bite prevention - posters
- Keep Mosquitoes Outside
- Pull Your Socks Up
- Mosquitoes Can Give You More Than Bites
- Repellent On, Mosquitoes Off
Links to translated factsheets are available in the following languages:
Japanese encephalitis - Get vaccinated
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is safe and effective for people aged 2 months and older. Vaccination is recommended for those at the highest risk of catching Japanese encephalitis. Speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated today.