Zika Virus

1) PROTECT YOUR HOME

How to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your house:

• Use screens and mosquito nets in windows and doors
• Spray Aerosol insecticides to immediately kill mosquitoes
• Plug in electric mosquito repellents for continuous protection

2) PROTECT YOURSELF

How to reduce the risk of bites outside of home:

• Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Use mosquito repellent on your exposed skin and reapply frequently

3) PROTECT THE COMMUNITY

 How to prevent the mosquito from breeding:

• Avoid allowing standing water in outdoor containers
• Add sand to flower pots
• Cover domestic water tanks so mosquitoes cannot get in
• Avoid accumulating garbage
• Unblock drains that could accumulate standing water

 

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ZIKA virus (ZIKV) Q&A

Q. What is Zika Virus?
A. Zika Virus disease is caused by the Zika virus and was first discovered in 1947. It is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. The virus can be transmitted by an Aedes aegypti mosquito which, in Australia, can be found in Tropical North Queensland. It is not usually found in other parts of Australia. The aedes mosquito is also known to transmit viruses like Dengue and Ross River Fever and is sometimes called the “Dengue” or “Yellow Fever” mosquito. 

Q. How can I catch Zika virus?
A. The Zika Virus, like Dengue and Ross River Fever viruses, is spread if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. Recent cases have been linked to travellers from countries where Zika is known. The Australian government advises travellers to use precautions against mosquito bites when travelling:
https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/health/pages/infectious-diseases.aspx

The World Health Organisation have also issued fact sheets on Zika virus:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/

Q. What are the symptoms?
A. The symptoms are usually mild and may present as fever, rash, joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis. These symptoms are unfortunately general to many viruses. Symptoms generally last for 2-7 days.

Q. What should I do if I think I have been bitten by a mosquito and think I have the virus?
A. See your GP or local practitioner. If you are returning from a country that has known Zika virus use mosquito protection measures and see your GP immediately. See https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/health/pages/infectious-diseases.aspx

Q. How can I prevent being bitten?
A. The aedes mosquito is a container breeder, so it will breed in small areas/pools of water such as plant pots or water bowls. Regularly eliminating or screening any places where water can accumulate within 10 metres of your home will greatly help to reduce the problem at home. Wearing suitable clothing like long sleeves and long pants can also help reduce bites. In addition, use a good insect repellent to avoid being bitten outside the home, as the aedes mosquito likes to bite during the day. Consider the need for ongoing protection against mosquitoes inside your home.

For protection through the night, particularly in bedrooms, Mortein can help protect from mosquitoes and other insects including the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Inside your home, particularly bedrooms, use Mortein Peaceful Nights Mozzie Zapper for odourless 12 hour protection against mosquitoes including the aedes aegypti mosquito. For continuous protection in living areas use Mortein Naturgard Auto Protect Indoor range including Eucalyptus, Odourless and Wildflower variants with adjustable spray frequency depending on the level of insect activity in your home. To stop flying insects in their tracks, use Mortein Fast KnockdownMulti Insect Killer directly on the mosquito to kill in a single spray.