Cooler months do little to curb mozzies enthusiasm

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Darling Downs Health is reminding residents that the onset of winter does not mean a reprieve from pesky mosquitoes.

Dr Liam Flynn from the Darling Downs Public Health Unit said the opposite was true, with some mosquitoes becoming more active now the cooler temperatures have returned.

“In some rural areas, we actually see more mosquitoes at this time of year because it is actually too hot from them during the summer months,” Dr Flynn said.

Whilst also being annoying, mosquitoes can pose a health risk with their bite causing more than just an itchy bump.

“Mosquitoes can pass on a range of viruses from animals to humans,” Dr Flynn said.

“These viruses may cause mild symptoms in some people, but other people may experience severe sickness, hospitalisation, and even death.

“It is therefore important for people to continue protecting themselves from getting sick from a mozzie bite even in winter.”

Personal protection includes:

• wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and long trousers, and covered footwear
• use effective insect repellent on exposed skin that contains DEET, picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• avoid being outside at dusk and dawn
• cover windows or doors with insect screens
• clean up around your house and remove any standing to prevent mosquito breeding.