INCREASED rainfall and the threat of Japanese encephalitis has prompted the rollout of a vaccination program within Swan Hill’s shire, starting next week.
Swan Hill Rural City Council co-ordinator of public health and regulatory services Kelsey Corrie said annual trapping of mosquitoes had started ahead of schedule this year, due to increased mosquito activity.
“At this stage we are only trapping a small number of mosquitoes, however the weather conditions have not been favourable for trapping because it has been wet and windy,” Ms Corrie said.
“We do expect to see an increase in numbers over the coming weeks and months as the weather warms up.”
With the mosquito surveillance program funded by the Victorian Department of Health, Ms Corrie said the findings would be monitored for potential risks to the community.
“Based on the number of adult mosquitoes trapped each week, and their location, council will respond with adult treatment in specific locations to reduce the threat to the community,” Ms Corrie said.
Meanwhile, Bendigo Health will provide free outreach vaccination sessions within the shire for residents meeting the eligibility criteria.
Victorian deputy chief health officer Deborah Friedman said those living, working or visiting the Murray River and its surrounds “may be at increased risk if they are bitten by an infected mosquito”.
Those working with, or in contact with pigs, may also have an increased risk of infection.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccination will be free to those meeting the eligibility criteria, which includes people aged 50 years of age and older, living or working in the local government areas of Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Moira, Wodonga and Towong, who spend more than four hours a day outdoors.
The vaccine is also recommended for people who work or live with pigs, including those at pork abattoirs or pork rendering plants and those involved with mosquito surveillance and control.
Locally, Ms Corrie said council would be ramping up its Beat the Bite campaign as part of its ongoing education program.
“We will be working with our local tourist and outdoor venues to help us promote this message and encourage their patrons to protect themselves,” Ms Corrie said.
“The best action that community members can take is to protect themselves and their homes by removing mosquito breeding sites around their own homes, including stagnant water in the bottom of pot plant trays, clearing gutters to ensure that they aren’t holding water, and regularly changing pet drinking water bowls.”
Japanese encephalitis virus can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.
Locally-acquired human cases were seen in Victoria for the first time earlier this year.
Free vaccination clinics (providing vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, COVID-19 and flu):
Robinvale
October 12, 10am-3pm
Robinvale Community Arts Centre
Swan Hill
October 27, 2pm-5pm
October 28, 8am-noon
Swan Hill Anglican Parish
The sessions are all walk-in sessions and do not require bookings.
