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- Ross River virus detected in Griffith and Leeton
- Commonwealth teen dental plan
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- GSAHS Chief Executive Seconded to NSW Health
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- Stress Less Day, Wednesday October 7
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- Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Auxiliary delivers 10 beds
- Healthy Little Smiles for Wagga
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Ross River virus detected in Griffith and Leeton
Friday 22 January 2010
Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) today warned that the mosquito-borne Ross River Virus has been detected in recent mosquito samples collected in the Griffith and Leeton region.
Residents and visitors in the area are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and minimise exposure to the virus.
GSAHS Senior Environmental Health Officer Tony Burns said with local mosquito numbers up to 10 times greater than usual in recent weeks, the detection of Ross River Virus by the NSW mosquito monitoring program places people at a higher risk of infection.
"There have been no human cases to date, however the mosquito monitoring program result means there is a higher chance people may become infected if bitten by mosquitoes," he said
"There is no cure at present for Ross River Virus. A general practitioner is able to provide guidance on medications that will ease symptoms of the disease."
Ross River Virus disease may result in muscle and joint pain, rash, fever, headache, joint swelling, and tiredness with an inability to concentrate.
Steps to avoid mosquito bite include:
- avoid outdoor exposure around dusk and at night
- use insect screens and mosquito-proof living areas using mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
- wearing protective personal repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) or picaridin, as well as protective clothing when outdoors. The most effective and long-lasting formulations are lotions or gels (most natural or organic repellents are not as effective as DEET or picaridin)
- Remove open water containers from around the home and cover openings in water tanks with fine steel mesh to prevent mosquitoes laying eggs in the tank
- Ensure infants and children are adequately protected against mosquito bites with suitable clothing, bed nets or other forms of insect screening
A Ross River Fever factsheet is available from the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/rossriver.html
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