Prevent Mosquito Bourne Diseases

Published on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 3:06:10 PM

The Health Department is reporting a high number of south west residents being affected by debilitating mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.

Shire of Capel of residents are being particularly affected with significantly higher than average numbers of patients being recorded.

The Shire strongly urges residents and visitors to reduce their risk of being bitten by:
✅ Limiting time outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, particularly at dawn and dusk
✅ Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing
✅ Using insect repellents that have DEET or picaridin
For further information regarding repellents, including their usage for children, please refer to
or contact an Environmental Health Officer from our team for further information.

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