Western NSW Local Health District is warning people in Parkes and Forbes to take care against mosquito-borne viruses following recent heavy rains and associated flooding.
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The increase in rain and flooding will result in an increase in mosquito breeding, particularly where there is pooled water.
Mosquitoes can carry disease such as Ross River, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis.
Priscilla Stanley, Coordinator of Communicable Disease in the Western Health District advises the community to be aware.
“The incubation period is from three to 21 days,” Ms Stanley said.
“If people start feeling unwell they should head straight to the GP and let them know they have been bitten by a mosquito.”
Despite some larger than normal mosquitoes lingering around town, they are no more of a threat than the average-sized insects.
“There are lots of different types of mosquitoes, the size doesn’t really matter.
“It depends on what breed and whether they have the capacity to carry disease,” she said.
“Given the issues with flooding in Forbes, Western NSW Health issued a warning about potential water-borne diseases from stagnant water laying around town.”
These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints.
Symptoms usually resolve within several days but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or even months.
Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis can cause more severe symptoms such as encephalitis.
This includes areas around Forbes, Condobolin and other areas that have been inundated by heavy rain and flood waters.
