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The Department of Health is reminding residents and travellers in the South West of Western Australia, including the Peel region, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the coming months.The warning follows multiple detections of Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes in the South West for the first time this year. The timing is unusual, as mosquito and mosquito-borne virus activity is often reduced in the winter months.Acting Managing Scientist at the Department of Health, Dr Abbey Pott …

Ross River Virus cases surge in Qld and NSW (Click on this link to hear more)While coronavirus has been at the forefront of our minds, some parts of Australia are experiencing an outbreak of a different illness.An explosion in mosquito numbers has seen a surge in the number of people being infected with Ross River Virus.It's a condition that can be debilitating and for some it takes years to recover.And even with the onset of winter just weeks away, experts say many of us need to be on guard to …

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging residents and visitors to the Mid North Coast to take extra precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites after detections of the mosquito-borne Ross River virus in the region.Acting Public Health Director Dr Jane Jelfs said autumn was a peak time of year for mosquitoes to carry infections.“Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways,” she sa …

Shawn Clayton. Clayton and ClaytonReviewing the Efficacy of 20 Popular Natural Mosquito RepellentsMosquitoes can be a big problem for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and even homeowners. Once they get settled, they breed very quickly. Killing insects that only live for a week or two may feel like rearranging chairs on a sinking ship. However, mosquitoes are not just an annoyance. Their bites can cause significant short-term discomfort, and spread diseases that could turn into chronic conditions. …

It's always you, isn't it? The person busy swatting away buzzing backyard mosquitoes or nursing an arm full of itchy red lumps after a weekend camping trip.You're not imagining it—mosquitoes really are attracted to some people more than others.Why do mosquitoes need blood?Only female mosquitoes bite. They do it for the nutrition contained in blood, which helps develop their eggs.Mosquitoes don't just get blood from people. They're actually far more likely to get it from biting animals, birds, fr …