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Whereas some components of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are nonetheless on alert for flooding, others are beginning the troublesome clean-up course of as flood waters recede.
Stagnant water after floods gives the proper breeding floor for mosquitoes. In order you clear up, bear in mind to empty containers of water and different reservoirs round your home and yard corresponding to water-filled boats, trailers and different giant objects. Eliminate particles that could be accumulating water too.
This yr, mozzies are carrying the same old viruses we need to keep away from, corresponding to Ross River virus, however the probably lethal Japanese encephalitis virus has additionally been detected in components of New South Wales and Queensland.
Will extra mozzies imply extra illness?
In February 2020, floods in northern NSW boosted mosquito exercise and elevated instances of mosquito-borne ailments attributable to Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses in subsequent months.
However whereas flood waters could increase mosquito numbers, outbreaks of illness do not all the time comply with. Hurricanes in North America have been related to elevated mosquito populations however few outbreaks of illness.
In Australia too, there are few examples of mosquito-borne illness outbreaks after cyclones—with a notable exception. After Tropical Cyclone Zoe made landfall in 1974, we had one of many greatest outbreaks of Murray Valley encephalitis virus later within the yr.
Hotter climate helps drive large mosquito populations, and the forecast predicts a warmer-than-normal autumn. So well being authorities are looking out for outbreaks of illness.
Japanese encephalitis is already energetic
Considerably dry situations in the summertime of 2024–25 have meant mosquito populations in lots of areas of japanese Australia have remained effectively under common.
However instances of Japanese encephalitis virus have been extensively detected in Victoria, NSW and Queensland—in mosquitoes, piggeries and feral pigs.
People have additionally been contaminated. Circumstances are uncommon however the illness might be severe, with signs starting from fever, headache, and vomiting by way of to disorientation, coma, seizure and mind swelling. One particular person has died of the virus this yr.
Japanese encephalitis virus first arrived in southeastern Australia over the summer season of 2021–2022. That adopted in depth flooding throughout the Murray Darling Basin due to the arrival of La Niña. On the time, there have been phenomenal numbers of mosquitoes that continued over subsequent years because the above-average rainfall continued.
In the summertime of 2022–23, a big outbreak of Murray Valley encephalitis was additionally linked to ongoing flooding. This illness has related signs to Japanese encephalitis and will also be deadly.
Mosquito numbers this summer season have solely been a fraction of what was recorded throughout these seasons influenced by La Niña. The exercise of Japanese encephalitis in 2024–25 has scientists scratching their heads, because it goes towards the generally held theories that better mosquito numbers mixed with elevated waterbird exercise (usually following flooding) drive better transmission of viruses corresponding to Japanese and Murray Valley encephalitis.
Fortuitously, there isn’t a proof of those viruses alongside the coast of southeast Queensland by way of to northern NSW.
However areas the place the virus has already been energetic, corresponding to Darling Downs in Queensland and Moree in NSW, might even see substantial rainfall on account of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Predicting outbreaks is extremely troublesome and depends not simply on mosquito exercise but in addition on the dynamics of the wildlife hosts that carry these viruses
However unpredictable mosquito-borne illness mixed with excessive climate isn’t a superb combine.
Remember about Ross River virus
Whereas not life-threatening, illness attributable to Ross River virus might be severely debilitating with joint ache and fatigue lasting many weeks or months.
Hundreds of instances of an infection are reported throughout the nation every year, together with in city areas of southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
Considerations about Ross River ailments had been already raised with heavy rain and flooding in northern Australia this summer season. Case numbers usually peak on the finish of summer season and early autumn. So there’s potential for better exercise within the coming months.
Different mosquito-borne pathogens, corresponding to Barmah Forest virus, can also be circulating and should trigger instances of gentle illness, however these happen far much less generally than these attributable to Ross River virus an infection.
Shield your self whereas cleansing up
For those who’re out cleansing up after the storms, attempt to keep away from mosquito bites.
Cowl up with long-sleeved shirts, lengthy pants and coated footwear for a bodily barrier towards mosquito bites.
Use topical insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure you apply a good coat on all uncovered areas of pores and skin for the longest-lasting safety.
For these dwelling or working in areas of Queensland, NSW and Victoria susceptible to Japanese encephalitis, a secure and efficient vaccine is obtainable.
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First wind, then rain. Subsequent come the mozzies. Here is methods to cut back your danger of bites and infections (2025, March 11)
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