RIVERLANDERS are being warned to avoid exposure to mosquitos, after two potentially deadly viruses were detected during routine monitoring.
The Department of Health and Wellbeing announced last Wednesday a sentinel chicken in a surveillance flock in Meningie had tested positive to both Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEv) and Kunjin virus.
Acting executive director of health protection and licensing services Dr Fay Jenkins urged Riverlanders to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
“We know there has been an increase in the number of mosquitoes present along the Murray River this season, however the detection of MVEv and Kunjin virus is an even stronger reminder for all South Australians to be vigilant in their fight against mosquito bites across the state,” Dr Jenkins said.
“Many people infected with MVEv are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms such as fever, headache and nausea.
“Although only a few people who become infected with MVEv will develop more serious symptoms, which may include confusion, headaches, neck stiffness, tremors, drowsiness and seizures, for those who do, it can be very serious and is fatal in about 20 per cent of cases.
“For those who survive, about 40 per cent of people will suffer permanent neurological damage.
“There is no vaccine and no cure for mosquito-borne diseases transmitted in South Australia, and the only way of preventing disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
In November 2020, SA Health increased the risk rating for mosquito-borne disease from low to medium due to weather conditions conducive to increased mosquito breeding.
All three Riverland councils have been offered $5000 in additional dollar-for-dollar funding from SA Health to offset the costs of additional mosquito control measures.
Berri Barmera and Renmark Paringa councils have partnered with a local contractor to inspect and survey mosquito-breeding sites and apply appropriate treatments.
Six flocks of sentinel chickens are maintained in strategic locations along the Murray River in South Australia and are routinely tested for viruses spread by mosquitoes.
All other flocks have tested negative for these viruses this season to date.
In March 2020, several chickens in Ramco tested positive to MVEv and Kunjin virus – the first time the disease was detected since 2011.
“To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, we are encouraging people to ‘fight the bite’ and take precautions such as wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and using a repellent which contains DEET or picaridin,” Dr Jenkins said.
“People should also reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by proofing their homes and by removing any potential breeding sites on their properties.”
For information on how to avoid mosquito exposure, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/fightthebite.