Arbovirus Control
Media Alerts
The Public Health Unit (PHU) monitors the occurrence of arboviruses throughout the North Coast region by conducting follow-up investigations of cases who contract mosquito borne diseases.
An active program of catching mosquitos for the purpose of identification of species and abundence relative to habitat and environmental factors exists with the assistance of local Councils and Westmead Hospital Department of Medical Entomology.
The PHU is a core member of the Northern Rivers Mosquito Special interest group. Current administration is with Byron Shire Council. The Arboviral diseases most common in the North Coast region are:
Ross River Fever
Ross River Virus is the most widespread arboviral disease in the North Coast region. It is transmitted by a number of mosquito species.
This disease may cause a rash, fever and joint problems.
For further information relating to Ross River Fever please see the NSW Health Fact Sheet on Ross River Fever.
Barmah Forest Virus
Barmah Forest Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is also prevalent on the North Coast.
For further information on Barmah Forest Virus, please see the NSW Health Fact Sheet on Barmah Forest Virus.
For information on pests please see the NSW Health web page.
Further information on medically important pests can be found at the website of the Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital