Ongoing detections of arboviruses in mosquitoes trapped in the region has prompted the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to issue a warning message for the local region.

In January, the Public Health Unit received 148 notifications of people infected with Ross River Virus, up from 116 in December. 

Director Public Health Tracey Oakman said this is a significantly higher number of notifications than they usually receive in January. 

"Over the current season, I have received notification of a number of different arbovirus detections in mosquitoes, including Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Kunjin and Sindbis Virus," she said. “There is a heightened risk to people in the region of contracting one of the arboviruses if they are bitten by a mosquito.

“There is no specific treatment for these viruses. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. "These mosquito-borne viruses are spread by bites from mosquitoes that have fed on animals that carry the virus."

The viruses are not fatal to humans but they can cause persistent and debilitating symptoms such as joint aches and pains, fever, chills, headache and sometimes a rash.

“The rash usually disappears after seven to ten days, but some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months,” Mrs Oakman said.

Mrs Oakman said people can take simple precautions against mosquito bites.

“People should screen all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside, avoid being outside unprotected, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear,” she said.

“Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas, but don’t use repellents on the skin of children under the age of three months. “Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.”