Protect yourself from mosquito bites on holiday

There is currently a higher risk of mosquito-borne Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses in South Australia, particularly in regions along the River Murray. A sentinel chicken based at Meningie has tested positive for Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin viruses. View the 13 January 2021 public health alert for further information and avoid mosquito bites.

Protect your holiday houses, shacks, boats, caravans and tents

  • Mosquitoes breed in still water, fresh or salty, and often in puddles and containers
  • Look for and reduce mosquito breeding sites around your holiday house, shack and caravan or camping ground by emptying or covering anything that holds water.
  • Make sure windows and openings are fitted with mosquito-proof mesh. Cover your sleeping areas or beds with mosquito nets if you don’t have insect screens, or if you’re camping outdoors near a creek, water hole, swamp, river or in long grass.
  • Boats, canoes and dinghies should be stored so they don’t hold water.

In Australia

Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses can occur in other parts of Australia too. There are also a number of other mosquito-borne diseases that are serious and may be fatal like Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin virus and dengue fever.

Overseas

In some countries, serious and sometimes fatal diseases such as chikungunya, malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever are common.

Seek a doctor's advice about:

  • How to prevent malaria before you travel. This may include taking specific medicines.
  • Vaccinations for yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis if there is a risk from these diseases.

Plan. Prepare. Pack.

  • Research where you're going and any common health risks
  • at least eight weeks prior to leaving speak with your regular doctor or travel medicine about where you’re going, and how to protect yourself
  • pack enough loose fitting, light coloured clothes, insect repellent, and if you need it, a mosquito net.

More information

For more information, see the following: