There has been an increase in the number of Barmah Forest virus cases notified in coastal areas. At the same time there has been an increase in Ross River virus notifications in the New England area.

Recent monitoring of mosquitoes by entomologists has shown that infection with these viruses is common.

Historical patterns of Barmah Forest and Ross River virus notifications indicate these diseases peak in March and April and increased mosquito breeding following recent rain is likely to see this pattern repeated.

Hunter New England public health physician David Durrheim advised that the best way to prevent infection was to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, which spread Ross River and Barmah Forest disease.

“These viruses are spread by mosquitoes that feed on animals that have the infection,” Dr Durrheim said.

“Although the illness caused by the viruses is not fatal, it can cause persistent and debilitating symptoms such as aches and pains in joints, fever, chills, headache and sometimes a rash. The rash usually disappears after seven to 10 days.

“As there is no specific treatment for Barmah Forest or Ross River virus, prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in the summer and autumn months when infections peak,” he said.

Methods for avoiding mosquito bites include:

• avoiding being outside unprotected before dawn and after dusk

• avoiding known high-risk breeding sites, including marsh areas

• when outside wearing loose fitting, light coloured clothes that cover arms and legs

• using an insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET or picaridin on exposed skin

• fitting fly screens to all windows and doors and keeping these in good repair

• if mosquitoes are inside, using a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour before going to bed according to instructions

• ensure that there are no pools of water around the home where mosquitoes can breed, for example, undrained pot plants, blocked gutters and old tyres.

A fact sheet and current data on the number of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections in NSW is available on the

NSW Health website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au