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A health scientist is urging local governments across Western Australia to increase mosquito controls to prevent another surge in cases of Ross River virus.Key points:Ross River virus — or fever — is a non-lethal but debilitating disease transmitted by mosquitos816 people contracted the virus in WA during the 2020–21 financial year compared with 318 the year before The Department of Health is urging local governments to increase mosquito control activities to prevent another spike this season La …

New research to tackle one of Australia's most prolific mosquitoes, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter region of New South Wales.The three-year project, between the University of Newcastle, Australia's national science agency CSIRO, the NSW Department of Health and the University of Melbourne, will use genomic sequencing to inform suppression strategies for the Aedes vigilax mosquito.The Aedes vigilax is one of the most widespread mosquito speci …

The malaria parasite is well known for hijacking red blood cells in its potentially deadly quest to spread to its next unsuspecting victim via a mosquito bite.But scientists have discovered it has another surprising trick up its sleeve: it can lurk undetected in the spleen, which filters blood.Key points:Scientists had long suspected this finding but had no direct evidence until nowThe discovery rewrites what we know about the life cycle of this insidious parasite that infects millions of people …

Byron Shire Council has joined with Northern Rivers councils and the North Coast Public Health Unit to launch the Tackling Mosquitoes Together campaign and free text message program aimed at reducing the disease risks and nuisance of mosquitoes.“A whopping 429 cases of Ross River Virus were reported by the Northern NSW Local Health District in 2020 which is the second highest number of cases on record, up from an average of 135 cases a year over the last 30 years.“Our free SMS text message progr …

Artificial light abnormally increases mosquito biting behavior at night in a species that typically prefers to bite people during the day, according to research from the University of Notre Dame that was published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.Increased biting by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which normally fly and bite in the early morning and during the afternoon, highlights the concern that increasing levels of light pollution could impact transmission of diseases such …