Mosquitoes can be a problem in some of the salt marsh and tidal marsh areas around Phillip Island. Council is working with Phillip Island Nature Park to ensure that larvae sites are treated early in the season to reduce any problems. Many adjoining landholders have been very co-operative in helping to combat this problem.
 

How to reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites

You are encouraged to take the following actions:

• Dispose of all tins, tyres and other rubbish containers that may hold water.
• Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty them completely when not in use for considerable periods.
• Put sand around the bases of pot plants to absorb excess water in the dish.
• Overturn boats and dinghies or remove the drain plug so they don’t hold water.
• Empty bird baths and pets drinking water at least once a week.
• Stop leaking taps, which can create semi-permanent pools.
• Flush disused toilets once a week.
• Avoid over watering lawns, this can lead to higher water tables or run-off to storm water drains and creation of permanent pools. Remove weeds and grasses from drains to enable them to drain freely.
• Keep fish ponds stocked with fish.
• Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form.
• Drill holes in tyres used for swings, playgrounds and garden surrounds, to allow water to drain.
• Ensure that water tanks are not breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.

For more information about mosquitoes, contact our Health Services Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
 

Ross River Virus

Ross River Virus (RRVd) infects people when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. The disease occurs throughout most regions of Australia, particularly in coastal regions like Bass Coast.

The symptoms of RRVd can include:

• Arthritis or joint pain which can last from days to months, particularly of the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers or toes.
• A rash on the chest, back, arms or legs which can last up to seven or ten days.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes, especially in the groin or armpit.
• Extreme tiredness and headaches
• A feeling of ‘pins and needles’ and tenderness on the soles of feet or palms of hands (though this is uncommon)

Despite the disease being commonly known as Ross River Fever, RRVd is not usually accompanied by a fever. Anyone with some or all of these symptoms should consult their family doctor.

Need to know more?

Further information regarding mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases call the Communicable Disease Prevention & Control Unit at the Department of Human Services on 1300 651 160.