Health experts call for backyard 'mozzie checks' to stop spread of disease

Townsville residents have been asked to add a small task to their usual yard work routine to help stop mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.

Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue wants locals to add ‘remove mozzie breeding sites’ to the weekend jobs list, alongside mowing the lawn, wrestling the weeds, and collecting palm fronds.

“Our most dangerous type of mosquito larvae grows around our homes, in any container or junk holding rainwater," Dr Donohue said.

"When they grow into mosquitoes they can carry dengue and other exotic viruses. They are small and quiet, sneak inside and bite by stealth during the day.”

During the last wet season, Townsville recorded its first locally acquired cases of dengue fever in more than a decade, with 16 confirmed cases.

Dr Donohue said that was despite the successful releases of a Wolbachia-carrying mosquito strain from 2014, which has reduced dengue outbreaks in north Queensland.

"While it has been effective, we also need the community to continue to help us," he said.

“This wet season, look around for anything holding water. Tip it out, throw it out, or store it somewhere dry to protect your family and neighbourhood."

Senior medical entomologist Scott Lyons said fighting dengue mosquitoes shouldn’t be limited to the backyard.

“We should also be looking inside our homes and using a surface spray in those dark corners or behind furniture to get into those hiding spots,” he said.

“If you are outside or in the bush, protect yourself from bites. Wear loose-fitting, light coloured, long-sleeve shirts and trousers. Cover your feet and use a strong insect repellent on exposed skin.”

“Some of the most common mosquito-borne diseases are Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest virus, and dengue.

"Some symptoms to look out for include muscle and joint pain, rashes, headaches, and fever. If you have these symptoms, go see a doctor.

“Just by looking around the yard and removing some of those potential breeding sites will help in our efforts to reduce the threat of dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses in the community.”

For more information on preventing mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Queensland Health website.

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites