The cooler months will see a welcome drop in mosquito numbers following a summer and autumn season that saw Ross River Fever infections spike across New South Wales.
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During the peak in April, Hunter New England Health Public Health physician Dr David Durrheim said the warm weather together with good rainfall resulted in excellent breeding conditions for mosquitoes responsible for spreading Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.
Jeremy Miller from Taree said he is feeling a lot better since his Ross River virus diagnosis in May, which came some time after he had first started experiencing symptoms.
"I had it for a while before I knew."
Jeremy said he had been feeling rundown and achy but had put it down to the fact he was stuck in the house due to coronavirus restrictions and not getting much exercise.
"I didn't have much energy to get off the couch.
"It was sometime before I figured out it was something to see the doctor about.
"It's an invisible disease, so there's not a physical manifestation. I just didn't feel right.
"I was very rundown, fuzzy headed, unable to have clear thoughts, like cotton balls in your head.
"I thought it was COVID malaise.
"Another manifestation for me was inflammation and arthritic pain in toes, feet and ankles and tight, crampy muscles but I like to do parkrun and exercise. I thought, I'm not moving around as much... but it was was the mosquito."
After hearing his symptoms, his doctor was pretty sure it was Ross River, with the diagnosis confirmed with a blood test.
Jeremy said he likely picked up the virus during a family walk in the bush near home.
"There were so many mosquitoes around, everyone got bitten. I was bitten by the wrong mosquito."
Now the focus is on rest to recover.
"A little fish oil for inflammation, look after yourself and let yourself heal.
"But, it's really rest"
While Jeremy said his knowledge of the virus is limited, he is aware it can last for a couple of weeks or months and with some people it can come back every year.
"The best thing is to recognise what the body is about to do and give it the rest it needs."
As the executive director of Monkey Baa Theatre Company and travelling to Sydney each week for four days to work, the COVID-19 travel restrictions put in place by State and federal governments meant he has been working from his home in Taree instead.
"It's good to have the time here to rest."
The only way to prevent Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infections is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
"These viruses are spread by mosquitoes that feed on animals that have the infection, so prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in summer and autumn months when infections peak," said Dr Durrheim.
"The symptoms of Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus infection include fever, skin rash, painful joints and tiredness," he said.
"Most people affected will have a mild illness that lasts for a few days. However, in some people, joint aches and lethargy can last for months."
Methods for avoiding mosquito bites include:
- . Avoid being outside unprotected before dawn and after dusk
- . Avoid known high risk breeding sites, including marsh areas
- . When outside wear loose fitting, light coloured clothing that cover your arms and legs
- . Use an insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
- . Fit and maintain fly screens to all windows and doors
- . If mosquitoes are inside use a knockdown insecticide in bedrooms half an hour
- before going to bed according to instructions
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Lauren Green
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
Lauren has been a journalist with the Manning River Times since 2001.
