Our Blog
Mosquito-borne disease risk increases
Mosquito-borne disease risk increases for river communities facing third La NiñaMosquito numbers and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases are likely to increase this spring and summer in river communities as La Nia brings wet conditions to large parts of the country.
Key points:
The CSIRO says wet and warm conditions are leading to an increase in mosquito numbersAuthorities are concerned about the potential spread of Japanese Encephalitis VirusPeople are advised to use insect repellent, wear lo
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11th Oct 2022
What makes mosquito bites itch, what to do about it and why the bloodsuckers are more attracted to certain people
If you’ve ever been bitten by a mosquito, you know how frustrating their bites can be.The little red bumps swell up almost immediately, creating an itch that once you start scratching only seems to get worse. The more you scratch, the more they itch - starting a vicious cycle that can leave you irritated, sore and covered in red bumps.Some people seem to be mosquito magnets - the insects flock to them wherever they are, leaving bites in any exposed flesh - while others are left relatively unscat
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7th Sep 2022
Murray Valley encephalitis warning for Kimberley region
Residents and travellers in the Kimberley region are being urged to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites after Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was reported in an individual residing in the West Kimberley.Department of Health Acting Managing Scientist, Craig Brockway, said this was the first human case of MVE reported in Western Australia since 2018. The patient is now recovering.“Murray Valley encephalitis virus is carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becomi
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2nd Aug 2022
Mosquitoes more attracted to people infected with viruses like dengue and Zika, scientists say
Mosquitoes can be choosy about who they hang out with, swarming around some people while totally avoiding others.
Key points:
Dengue and Zika infections can alter the composition of skin bacteriaThis shift makes infected hosts smell more appealing to mosquitoesA common acne medication could hold the key to preventing bites and infectionsAnd it turns out some viral infections can make you especially attractive to the tiny blood suckers.A new study has found that getting infected with a virus li
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5th Jul 2022
How worried should we be about the mosquito-borne virus Japanese encephalitis?
https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/how-worried-should-we-be-about-the-mosquito-borne/13791452
1st Jul 2022