NSW Health has free access to the Japanese encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine to ensure residents are protected as the mosquito season continues. In NSW, a Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine is available for free for people aged two months or older who live or work, including volunteer deployment, in 60 local government areas. Parkes is among those that have been named as an LGA of high concern, as has Forbes, Orange, Dubbo and Cowra. It's important people throughout the state protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes. Here are some simple actions you can take: Apply repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. And re-apply repellent regularly. Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks. Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk. Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas). Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps. Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed. Protect infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges. While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net. For further information and ways to protect yourself visit the NSW Health website.
