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The Department of Health is reminding residents and travellers in the Kimberley region to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites over the Easter break and school holidays, as the risk of serious mosquito-borne disease has increased.The alert follows a significant increase in the activity of both Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin viruses.The increased virus activity had been detected through the Department of Health’s sentinel chicken surveillance program, which acts as an ear …

It's the last thing you want to hear in 2022, cases of the Japanese encephalitis virus have been found in more than 40 piggeries across Australia and moved further south than ever before.Discover what is behind the surge, who is most at risk and how you can protect yourself.https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sundayextra/how-real-is-the-threat-of-the-japanese-encephalitis-virus/13801582Guest:Associate Professor Gregor Devine, Group Leader at the Mosquito Control LaboratoryProducer - Ka …

The CSIRO has warned Australians to be more vigilant about our spindliest enemies this summer with a surge in mosquito numbers expected amid La Niña weather conditions.Southern and central Queensland have already seen the effects of widespread rain and flooding and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says those conditions are here to stay.Across Queensland this year, there have been more than 200 cases of Barmah Forest virus, and more than 770 cases of Ross River virus – both debilitating mosquito-b …

Mosquitoes carry diseases that may be passed on to people or animals through mosquito bites.New research to tackle one of Australia’s most prolific mosquitos, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya are a major global public health issue. More than half of the world’s population are at risk from diseases spread by mosquitoes.Increased trade, urbanization and global …

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 …