Beat the bite

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is reminding people to prevent mosquitos this summer.
In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted from mosquitoes to humans are Ross River and the Barmah Forest virus.

More than 275 species of mosquitos are found across Australia, and while other infections like those caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, the Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus are rare - they can cause severe disease.
According to the GRPHU, the most effective way to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites around the home.
The unit also advises people to cover up, use repellent, clean up still water around their homes and campsites, and use fly spray when eating or gathering outdoors.
Mosquito repellent should be applied on all exposed skin, particularly at dawn and dusk. However, avoid putting repellent on the hands of babies and young children, as they naturally put their hands in their mouths. The GRPHU suggests rubbing repellent on the outside of the baby's clothing.
Long, loose-fitting clothes are the best choice to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, and when camping mosquito nets are useful. For more information, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/mosquito-borne-diseases.