AUSTRALIA BRACES FOR MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASE JUMP

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000019 SIPDIS STATE FOR OES/IHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO SENV AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA BRACES FOR MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASE JUMP ¶1. (SBU) Australian health authorities are concerned about an expected jump in the number of mosquito borne diseases in New South Wales and Southern Queensland, including Ross River Virus (RRV),following heavy summer rains. Department of Health and Ageing Assistant Secretary for Surveillance is stepping up coordination with state and local health practitioners and is trying to head off a big jump in RRV cases in the next few weeks through a public awareness campaign and heightened surveillance. The heavy rains and subsequent flooding have created ideal conditions for a boom in mosquito populations, and the government is advising residents of flooded areas to take precautions against mosquitos, including long clothing, use of insect repellent, and ensuring mosquito screens are secure. Another concern is a possible spike in cases of the related Chikungunya Virus, which has more serious health impacts and occurs infrequently in Australia but is widespread in Asia. ¶2. (SBU) RRV causes joint pain, arthritic fever, and fatigue with symptoms lasting in many cases for months. Severe cases can result in debilitating symptoms that last years. RRV and other mosquito borne diseases are reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. NNDSS data shows that there were 4729 cases of Ross River Virus and 19 cases of Chikungunya in 2009. CLUNE