Three new Ross River virus diagnoses have been made in the capital this summer, prompting calls for Canberrans to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
ACT Health figures show this summer has already brought more cases than in each of the past two years, however it is unclear where the infections occurred.
“Of the three cases of Ross River virus diagnosed, all three reported interstate travel during the incubation period and it is possible it was acquired interstate,” a Health spokeswoman said.
There were five cases for 2014 as a whole, an average year, with three of those acquired interstate.
Ross River infections in NSW have doubled from last year – 322 diagnoses were made since September.
There was one case of Barmah Forest Virus — also commonly passed by mosquitoes — in the ACT last year, but no new cases this summer.
Australian National University biologist Alex Maier said people should not be complacent about getting bitten by mossies.
“Mossie bites are underappreciated in what they can actually do — everyone’s annoyed [by them] and they get itchy, but the actual risk of being infected is not appreciated,” he said.
“Every single bite is potentially infectious.”
The parasitologist, an expert in malaria, said the insects were critical for the ecological balance and could breed anywhere with water, from a puddle in a tyre, a can or the drainage in homes.
An ACT Health spokeswoman said the numbers of mosquito-borne disease cases increased during summer, with people advised to cover up when outside, wear a mosquito repellent and empty outdoor containers of water.
Experts have attributed increased NSW mosquito numbers to a wetter and warmer spring and summer and have warned of a potential Australia Day mosquito surge due to a king tide on the NSW coast.
The spokeswoman said mosquitoes’ limited flight range meant the king tide would have no direct effect on the capital’s mosquito population but said travellers to coastal areas should take precautions to avoid being bitten.
Dr Maier admitted he had been caught without protection recently.
“I was working in the garden on the weekend and by the end of day I had 35 bites,” he said.
Ross River Virus can present with rash and flu-like symptoms and lead to joint pain, fatigue and muscle aches.