Not only annoying, mosquitoes are downright deadly!

Despite their tiny size, mosquitoes kill more people than any other animal in the world. In Australia, the main diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are Australian Encephalitis, Barmah Forest, Dengue Fever, and Ross River Virus. Last year NSW Health also confirmed Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in the state.

Mosquitoes need standing water to start their life cycle but, although conditions have been dry in the Western Plains, Warren Shire Council is reminding residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquitoes coming into the warmer months ahead.

It’s a known trend for mosquito season to kick off early in Western NSW, with warmer temperatures in our climate creating the perfect habitat for mozzies to thrive. While the "buzz" around mosquito borne illnesses may have died down, mosquitoes continue to pose a real risk to our community, particularly with spring now upon us.

Warren Shire Council General Manager, Gary Woodman, urged residents not to become complacent in their protection measures.

“Now is not the time for people to let their guard down," Mr Woodman said. “Although it’s considerably drier than it was earlier this year, we know for a fact that mosquitoes will start to become more active again now that it’s getting warmer.

Mr Woodman said council highly encourages all residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito borne illnesses, such as wearing repellent and avoiding being outside during peak activity times.

"And of course, getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis (JEV),” he said.

Last year, NSW Health named the LGA's of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Lachlan, Warren, Narrabri, Walgett, Gilgandra, Coonamble and Warrumbungle as regions of high concern with regard to JEV.

Most mosquito borne diseases in NSW don't have vaccinations, however, you can get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis (JEV).

Warren LGA advised a free JEV vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in Warren LGA, and:

• Regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites;
• Are experiencing homelessness;
• Are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection; or
• Are engaging in outdoor flood recovery and clean up efforts.

Warren LGA stated the vaccine is safe for people aged two months and older and can take 2-4 weeks to become effective.

"We encourage residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible," they said.

These free vaccines are available throughout the majority of NSW and the easiest way to receive your free JEV vaccine is to speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service.

Warren Shire residents can be assured that Council is taking the threat of mosquito borne disease seriously and have implemented several initiatives to protect the community, including the Buzz Off awareness campaign, installation of mozzie zappers around the Shire and provision of free mosquito repellent.

Warren Shire Council Town Services Manager, Raymond Burns, says the Buzz Off campaign is an important educational resource developed in line with key messaging from NSW Health.

“The campaign focuses on three key action areas identified by NSW Health, which are bite prevention, mosquito reduction and vaccination,” says Mr Burns. “By staying consistent with this advice, we can ensure that the information we’re sharing is not only accurate, but it is clear, simple and easy to follow.”

For more information about keeping yourself safe from mosquitoes, visit here.