Australia So Much to See
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Australia include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Dengue fever. Ross River
and Barmah Forest have a wide variety of symptoms from rashes with fevers, to arthritis that can last from months to years with Ross
River virus infection. Ross River disease is the most commonly reported mosquito transmitted disease to humans (over 6,500 cases
in 1997) and occurs in all states of Australia. Barmah Forest disease occurs in most states of Australia, although the annual
number of cases are around 10% that of Ross River disease. Dengue fever is restricted to Queensland.
Some mosquito borne
diseases are very rare and pose very little risk to travellers, and occur only in the far north of Australia. These extremely
rare diseases are Murray Valley Encephalitis (Australian Encephalitis), Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria. There is no vaccine
for mosquito borne diseases, with the exception of Japanese Encephalitis. Cases of Australian Encephalitis occur sporadically
in northern Australia and especially in the north west of Western Australia. There have been no cases of Murray Valley Encephalitis
recorded in south eastern Australia since 1974. In some instances, Murray Valley Encephalitis has been fatal.
Malaria
in Australia has been endemic, but was declared eradicated from the country in 1981. However, approximately 700 to 800 cases
are imported annually from travellers infected elsewhere.
How to avoid mosquito bites
·
Avoid being outdoors at dawn, dusk and at night when mosquitoes are active
·
Ensure insect screens are installed and use mosquito nets and mosquito-proof tents
·
Use insect repellent as well as loose, light-coloured protective clothing when outdoors
·
Ensure infants and children are protected against mosquito bites, with suitable clothing,
bed nets or other forms of insect screening
Mosquito borne viruses in Australia
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Supposing your car catches fire, or rolls. What will you do? If you have to leave quickly, or your cargo is a mangled
mess in an overturned vehicle. Where is your phone? Wallet and credit cards? Imperative documents? Your back
pack may be the best place to keep a few essential items when travelling, and this may well include a bottle of drinking water, biscuits,
mobile or satellite phone, and your camera. If you have essential medications, a few day’s supply should be
kept in the grab bag as well unless requiring refrigeration. It should be somewhere secure where you can grab it quickly in
an emergency evacuation, or find it easily if the vehicle has overturned.