FED: eight cases of Australian encephalitis, baby critical = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2000
FED: eight cases of Australian encephalitis, baby critical = 2

Dr Krause said the areas most at risk are the remote areas of the Victoria River region,
Barkly and Central Australian area in the NT, and the Gascoyne, Murchison, Kimberley and
Pilbara regions of WA.

She warned Easter holidaymakers who intend camping or bushwalking to prepare for mosquito
protection.

"People should especially take responsibility for protecting babies and young children
from mosquito bites," she said.

The best form of protection was staying inside at periods of peak mosquito activity,
from just before sunset to mid-evening.

Other measures included covering up as much as possible with loose, long clothing because
mosquitos can bite through tight-fitting clothes.

Dr Krause recommended keeping a bottle of DEET repellant handy and sleeping under nets.

An early-warning system using sentinel chickens throughout WA and the Territory had
detected widespread activity of the virus which causes Australian encephalitis as early
as February, leading to warning messages being distributed by health authorities.

Territory environmental health experts say effective mosquito control is not possible
over such a wide area, necessitating a commitment to personal mosquito bite protection.

"The virus spreads south during wet years when we have flooding and may be amplified
through increased numbers of water birds," Territory health services entomologist Peter
Whelan said.

AAP rr/nm

KEYWORD: ENCEPHALITIS 2 BRISBANE

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