‘BRACE FOR BUMPER MOZ
EXPERTS PREDICT HEAVY RAINFALL COULD BRING AN EXPLOSION OF MOSQUITOES
Aussies have battled through bushfires, a pandemic, and flooding in recent years. Now, a new threat is looming – mosquitoes.
With the La Niña weather system bringing record rainfall, the eastern seaboard has become a breeding ground for the unwanted insects and their fatal diseases. It’s left health experts nation-wide grappling with how to stop the uncontrollable spread of the pests.
Cameron Webb, associate professor and entomologist for NSW Health Pathology, has spent the past 25 years trying to understand how to control the buzzing bugs and manage the public health risk of mosquitoes in urban areas of Australia. He warns that this summer is going to be a bad one.
“Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle,” Cameron tells New Idea. “The more water there is, the more opportunity for mosquito breeding.
“As we head into our third summer of the La Niña weather pattern, we can expect lots more rain.
“If you like bushwalking, fishing or even gardening, then you’re going to be pestered a lot.”
But mozzies are more than just a nuisance
– they can be deadly.
“They spread pathogens. We have 5000 people every year infected with Ross
River virus which can be severely debilitating. Over the past 12 months we’ve [also] discovered the Japanese encephalitis virus,” Cameron explains. “We’ve had more than 40 people infected and sadly seven people have died.”
Two fatalities were recorded in New South Wales, two in South Australia, one in Victoria, one in Queensland and one in the Northern Territory.
“It’s another reminder
‘It only takes one mosquito to transmit the virus’
to people that mosquitoes not only pose a health risk but also a life-threatening risk,” Cameron adds.
Previously prevalent in the Western Pacific, and
Southeast Asia, the Japanese encephalitis virus has been able to spread further and further south through Australia due to the flooding conditions, says Cameron.
Luckily, there is a vaccine to protect against the virus, and Cameron recommends speaking to a GP or health professional to see if you are eligible for the jab.
“It only takes one mosquito to transmit the virus,” Cameron warns.
He suggests avoiding wetlands and bushlands at dawn and dusk, covering up with clothing as much as possible and also using insect repellent.
“A dad spraying the back of his shirt isn’t going to work,” he says. “It’s not just about the formulation of insect repellent you choose, but how you use it. Make sure to spray it on, and then rub it around for even coverage.”
Unfortunately, some people are more likely to be bitten than others.
“It’s true,” says Cameron. “Recent research suggests that those people who are more likely to be bitten have a higher concentration of chemicals on their skin. The problem is, you can’t do much about that.”
While Cameron explains that local authorities do attempt to control mosquito populations safely and effectively, sadly the biggest challenge this year is the sheer quantity of them.
“The whole of eastern Australia is basically a wetland,” he says. “We can’t be everywhere.”
As summer approaches, Cameron warns people from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne who are considering a camping trip inland or up the coast.
“There is a far greater risk once you get outside the metropolitan areas,” he says.
“So be mindful and take what you need to keep mosquitoes at bay.”