Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Some mosquitoes can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites.
  • In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted by mosquitoes to humans are Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. Infections caused by Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile (Kunjin) viruses are rare but have the potential to cause severe disease.
  • The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is by avoiding mosquito bites.
  • It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito management program.
  • The Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program (VADCP) is a state-wide collaborative program run by the Department of Health and delivered through participating local councils to reduce mosquito-borne diseases. This program includes mosquito surveillance, chemical and physical control, and mosquito bite prevention.
  • Residents also play a role in mosquito management on their own properties by removing mosquito breeding habitats.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 10-02-2023