The Australian Government has this week launched a new advertising campaign to raise awareness of mosquito-borne diseases like Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) for travellers and holidaymakers and provide advice on how to prevent bites.
With recent floods and warmer weather driving increased mosquito activity this summer, the campaign complements local communication efforts from state and territory governments in at-risk communities by encouraging tourists and travellers to take simple steps to protect themselves.
People travelling to at-risk areas this summer can protect themselves from mosquito-borne viruses by taking these steps:
- regularly applying effective insect repellent
- wearing loose fitting clothes that cover exposed skin
- avoiding being outdoors when mosquitos are biting (especially at dusk and dawn)
- covering all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens in all homes, and when camping, and
- removing or emptying containers or other items such as tyres which may hold stagnant water where mosquitos may breed around homes and at campsites.
The national campaign began on Sunday and will appear on digital audio, digital video, digital display, out of home and social media channels. Materials will also be adapted and translated for multicultural and First Nations audiences.
For more information on JEV visit health.gov.au/JEV
Campaign materials can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/japanese-encephalitis-jev-resources
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“This summer we will see an increased risk for mosquito borne viruses like JEV. This campaign encourages Australians to take simple but effective actions to protect themselves and their families against JEV while travelling this summer.
“Prevention is the best protection. If you are getting out of our major cities into the great outdoors this summer, a few sprays of mosquito repellent might be all it takes to protect yourself against a potentially deadly disease like JEV.”