Mosquito-Borne Disease Control in Victoria: Prevention, Management, and Responsibilities

Overview of Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Control

Key Points:
- Common Mosquito-Borne Viruses: The most prevalent mosquito-borne pathogens are viruses in Victoria, Ross River, and Barmah Forest. Other viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, and West Nile/Kunjin virus, are rarer but can potentially cause severe illness.
- Preventive Measures: The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. Effective mosquito management is a shared responsibility, and all landowners and occupiers are encouraged to take proactive measures.

About Mosquito-Borne Diseases

With over 275 mosquito species in Australia, only a few pose risks to humans, and fewer still transmit diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases are reportable to the Department of Health. Additionally, diseases acquired interstate or overseas, such as dengue fever, are monitored within Victoria. Risk reduction efforts emphasize bite avoidance and eliminating mosquito breeding areas around the home.

Mosquito-borne diseases Present in Victoria

1. Barmah Forest Virus Disease

Cause: Alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Symptoms typically appear 7 to 10 days after infection (up to 21 days in some cases). They include joint inflammation, fatigue, and a rash. However, many individuals do not develop symptoms.

2. Ross River Virus Disease

Cause: Another alphavirus spread through mosquito bites.
Symptoms: Appear 3 to 9 days after infection (up to 21 days). Symptoms can include joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, and a rash.

3. Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Cause: A rare, serious infection of the brain caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes.
Symptoms: While severe cases can lead to significant neurological issues, many people experience no symptoms.

4. Murray Valley Encephalitis

Cause: Caused by a flavivirus.
Symptoms: Develop 7 to 12 days post-infection. While most people remain asymptomatic or experience mild illness, severe cases can result in brain damage or death.

5. West Nile/Kunjin Virus

Cause: A flavivirus related to West Nile virus, which circulates globally.
Symptoms: Most infections are asymptomatic or mild, but severe cases can lead to encephalitis and long-term neurological issues or death.

6. Dengue Virus Disease (Dengue Fever)

Cause: A viral infection common in tropical regions and occasionally in northern Queensland.
Symptoms: Vary from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe disease. Dengue presents with sudden fever and aches. No specific treatment or vaccine exists, so early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications.

Mosquito Management in Victoria

Since 1974, the Victorian Government has collaborated with local councils and agencies to deliver an integrated mosquito management program. This program involves:

Surveillance: Monitoring mosquito species and populations and testing for viruses.
Vector Control: Implementing measures to reduce mosquito populations.
Public Education: Informing communities about preventing bites and removing breeding sites to reduce risk.

Roles and Responsibilities in Mosquito Control

The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 specify that mosquito management is the duty of all landowners and occupiers, covering both public and private properties. For more details, see Mosquito Management in Victoria.

Funding for Local Council Initiatives

The Victorian Government funds councils in high-risk areas to support mosquito surveillance and control efforts. Councils can decide on the most appropriate control measures, often focusing on trapping adult mosquitoes and vector management to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Updates to the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations

Effective 14 December 2019, the updated regulations broaden the scope for managing vector-borne disease risks and introduce provisions to control emerging disease threats in Victoria.

This comprehensive approach to mosquito-borne disease prevention and management reflects the collective responsibility of the government, councils, and the community to safeguard public health.

For health alerts in Victoria, visit https://www.health.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/cho-health-advisory-alerts