Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases
Learn about mosquito-borne diseases found in NSW, how to protect yourself from bites and how AlburyCity monitors local mosquito activity.
Mosquitoes are insects which have the potential to carry diseases. In our area, several mosquito-borne viruses are prevalent (Japanese Encephalitis, Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus and Kunjin Virus) which poses health risks to residents and visitors.
For further information on the above-mentioned viruses that mosquitoes can transmit in our area, please visit the following websites:
Surveillance and Monitoring
NSW Health coordinates with local Councils to conduct regular mosquito surveillance and arbovirus monitoring to detect and manage these viruses. The program involves setting traps aimed at collecting mosquitoes which are then tested for viruses in a laboratory.
The NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program provides early warnings about risks associated with viruses spread by mosquitoes across the state. Results of the trapping and further information on the program is available at NSW Arbovirus Surveillance & Mosquito Monitoring Program
Mosquito breeding cycle
Mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing water.
Only female mosquitoes bite people and animals to obtain blood needed for laying eggs. The mosquito breeding cycle is:
- Egg laying – Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of still or slow-moving water, or in places that will later fill with water (like puddles, containers, or gutters).
- Larvae (wrigglers) – The eggs hatch into larvae that live in the water and feed on tiny organisms.
- Pupae (tumblers) – After several days, larvae turn into pupae, which still live in the water but don’t eat.
- Adult mosquitoes – Adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupae and fly away.
The entire cycle can take as little as a week or two, depending on temperature and water conditions.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases:
- Limit outdoor activities: especially around dawn, dusk and in the early evening.
- Use insect repellent: Apply on exposed skin and clothing. Reapply repellent after water activities.
- Wear protective clothing: Light coloured, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Eliminate standing water: Remove containers that collect water around your home. Turn these containers upside down to prevent further pooling of water.
- Install screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens and repair any rips or holes.
- Vaccination: Consider vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis if living in or traveling to high-risk areas.
Further information
Please contact Council’s Environmental Health team on:
Phone: 02 6023 8111
Email: info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au
