Council partners with West Moreton Health for mosquito protection

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has joined forces with West Moreton Health (WMH) to tackle the growing problem of mosquitoes.

Council is assisting WMH with its mosquito trapping program to help identify the possible detection of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).

JEV is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain that is caused by a virus that can spread to humans through mosquito bites.

Council’s Environment Portfolio Councillor, Cheryl Steinhardt said following the recent weather event, exposure to mosquito-borne diseases can increase.

“We’re actively encouraging our community to ramp up safety efforts because at the end of the day, protection is key.

“The important message for residents is not to be complacent.

“Any mosquito could carry a mosquito-borne disease, but if you don’t get bitten, you can’t get infected.

“We’re part way through school holidays and for many, Easter is all about camping, and campers should be especially vigilant given most of their time will be spent outdoors, including at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

“To help protect yourself, residents should wear long pants and sleeves, apply mosquito repellent, and empty water-holding receptacles from around their home, including: pot plant bases, buckets, bird baths and other containers,” Cr Steinhardt said.

For more on how to protect your family from mosquitoes, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/all/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites