Mozzie infections sky-high

 in South Aust/Queensland

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THE number of mosquito infections this year has increased dramatically, with 351 cases reported already in South Australia compared to 16 at the same time last year.

SA Health chief public health officer Dr Stephen Christley said the numbers across the state are already much higher than last year.

"There have been 351 cases of across Ross River virus (RRv) and Barmah Forest virus (BFv) across South Australia this year so far, compared to only 16 cases at the same time last year," he said.

"Mozzies tend to increase in the summer months and while mosquito bites may seem more annoying than harmful, they can potentially spread diseases.

"The symptoms caused by these infections may vary in severity from person to person and can include joint pain, rash, fever, fatigue or muscle pain.

"While most people will recover completely in a few weeks, some can have quite severe symptoms for many months. Anyone suffering from symptoms should contact their doctor for advice."

 THE NEW MOZZIE PATCHES AND BRACELETS WILL HELP YOU FROM THE NASTY DISEASE CARRYING  MOSQUITO

QUEENSLAND 

 AUTHORITIES are ramping up measures to control mosquito populations in flooded areas because of growing concerns about vector-borne diseases.

The Brisbane City Council did aerial spraying of a large area around Rocklea last week, and fogging operations began in Ipswich yesterday.

A team of Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) scientists are going door-to-door to 10,000 Brisbane homes to investigate mosquito populations as part of a two-year project.

QIMR researcher Dr Tim Hurst has collated mosquito data from 300 Brisbane homes since October and has found a dramatic increase in numbers.

"The number of mosquitoes we are finding is quite amazing, Brisbane City Council is quite shocked," he said.

There are no mosquito control measures undertaken by councils in homes or backyards in southeast Queensland because it is considered to be the responsibility of the property owner.

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• Gastro and mossie-diseases threaten health Courier Mail, 11 Jan 2011

The wet summer conditions have created perfect breeding grounds for container mosquitoes that can transmit Ross River Fever, dog heartworm and in some cases Barmah Forest virus