SA Health has issued advice to people planning activities around the River Murray to ‘fight the bite’ as the number of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) cases continues to climb due to mosquitos.
Executive Director of Health Protection and Licensing Services at the Department for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Lease, said there had been eight confirmed cases of JEV nationally, including one death.
“People planning activities around the River Murray are warned to be especially vigilant, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” Dr Lease said.
The warning comes as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) announced there had been three more detections of JEV in piggeries, bringing the State’s total number of cases to four.
Chief Veterinary Officer for South Australia, Mary Carr said the detections were in the local government areas of Loxton Waikerie, Murray Bridge and Coorong.
Dr Carr said the message was clear: Prevent Japanese encephalitis in pigs and horses by controlling mosquitoes and protecting animals from mosquito bites.
“PIRSA urges all pig and horse owners to reduce the risk by controlling mosquitoes on your property, through eliminating breeding areas and using chemicals responsibly,” Dr Carr said.
“Prevent mosquitoes biting pigs and horses and protect yourself, your staff and your family,” she said.
Dr Lease said it was crucial that people continued to take extra precautions against mosquitoes to ‘fight the bite’.
“If you are outside, apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin and try to stop mosquitoes coming indoors,” he said.
“Cover up with long, loose fitting and light-coloured clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing such as jeans or leggings.”
Dr Lease said mosquito coils and aerosol knockdown or surface insect sprays could also help control mosquitoes.
Further information on how to Fight the Bite can be accessed at this PS News link and more about JEV in pigs and horses can be found on the PIRSA website at this link.
