Cape York residents are urged to take all precautions against mosquito bites, following the recent detection of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus from a mosquito trap at Cooktown.
The virus is spread through mosquito bites, not from person-to-person contact.
There is no vaccine against MVE and the best protection is to avoid being bitten in the first place.
If you become unwell, please see your health care provider.
Personal protective measures include:
- Wear light-coloured clothing, (long-sleeved shirts and long pants wherever possible to cover exposed skin).
- Use personal insect repellent containing DEET (di-ethyl toluamide) or Picaridin, which tend to last longer than other repellents, depending on the concentration. DEET and Picaridin are safe for use by pregnant women.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Repellents usually only protect against mosquito bites for up to four hours.
- Use long-lasting ‘surface’ or ‘cockroach’ insecticide spray in places where mosquitoes can hide.
- Use other mosquito protection devices such as electric zappers and mosquito coils.
- Install insect screens that are in good working order in your home and office. If not, sleep under a mosquito net day and night.
- Tip it, store it, throw it — tip out water from containers weekly, or dry store containers under cover and discard rubbish properly. Mosquitoes breed in containers that hold water.
- Remember, under the Public Health Act 2005, you can be fined by your local council if your home or yard promotes the breeding of mosquitoes.
Read more about Murray valley encephalitis on the Queensland Government website.