Sydney residents are warned to protect themselves against bites after Ross River virus is detected in mosquitos

  • Ross River virus detected in mosquitoes in Sydney's west and south-west
  • In mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park, Bankstown and Sydney Olympic Park
  • Virus symptoms  include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints

The detection of the Ross River virus in mosquitoes in Sydney's west and south-west has prompted a warning from health authorities for residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park, Bankstown and Sydney Olympic Park identified insects carrying the virus for which there is no treatment.

Residents living around or visiting the Georges River area are also urged to be take care to avoid the virus, which is caused by a viral infection, transmitted through mosquito bites.

Residents living around or visiting the Georges River area (pictured) are urged to take care to not get bitten

Residents living around or visiting the Georges River area (pictured) are urged to take care to not get bitten

NSW Health environmental health director Richard Broome said while Ross River infection was rare in Sydney, high numbers of mosquitoes at this time of year mean people should be cautious.

 People who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping or fishing in areas with high mosquito numbers are especially urged take precautions.

'There is no treatment for Ross River. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten,' Dr Broome said.

'There is no treatment for Ross River. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten,' Dr Richard Broome said

'There is no treatment for Ross River. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten,' Dr Richard Broome said

'NSW Health continues to monitor notified cases of Ross River and other mosquito-borne virus infections to determine the number of cases and whether the infection was acquired locally or elsewhere.' 

Symptoms of the virus include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints - typically within three weeks of being bitten.

Anyone who has any of the symptoms is urged to see their doctor.

High numbers of mosquitoes at this time of year mean people need to be cautious (stock image)

High numbers of mosquitoes at this time of year mean people need to be cautious (stock image)

How to avoid Ross River virus

 *Avoid being outside, unprotected, when mosquitoes are commonly active at dawn and dusk. Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. 

*Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas. Repellents containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin are best. 

*Don't use repellents on the skin of children under the age of three months. Instead use physical barriers such as netting on prams, cots and play areas for babies. 

*Eradicate mosquito breeding sites around the home, including containers that hold water. 

*Use flyscreens on windows and doors of houses and keep them in good order. 

* When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.

Source: NSW Health 

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Ross River virus found in mosquitoes in Sydney's west and south-west

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