With the weather warming up on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll notice that mosquitoes and other biting insects are making a return after being dormant during winter.
It’s a timely reminder to do what you can to avoid getting bitten, particularly with Ross River fever and other mosquito-borne diseases on the rise in our beautiful part of the world.
According to the Sunshine Coast Daily, data released by Queensland health shows mosquitoes infected 365 people living in the Sunshine Coast area with diseases this year.
Of this number, 306 residents contracted Ross River virus.
Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes from infected animals or humans.
Symptoms can last for 40 weeks and include fever chills, muscle aches, rashes, fatigue, aching tendons, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and extreme joint pain.
Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine available in Australia and the main treatment for the disease is anti-inflammatory medications.
The best way to avoid getting bitten and possibly contracting a nasty disease is to use repellent at all times of day but especially at dawn and dusk, and cover up exposed skin.
Residents can also reduce the risk of mozzies breeding around their homes by doing the following:
- Remove containers/vessels of water sitting around ie: pot plant bases or containers where water has pooled
- Regularly remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ponding of water
- Removing palm fronds or green waste from around the yard
As well as adopting strategies to ensure you don’t get bitten, it’s also important to keep mozzies and other insects out of your home.
The best way to do this (but ensure the lovely breeze comes in), is to install screen doors and windows.
North Coast Blinds & Security manufacture and install a range of insect screens and doors, plus security screens & doors, including Crimsafe, all at competitive prices.
These insect and security doors are manufactured onsite at our Kunda Park factory and are custom-made to suit the dimensions of your home.
Call us today for a free measure and quote around home and make sure you and your family are better protected against mozzies this Summer! Ph: 5456 2199