Community Notice Board

BENDIGO HEALTH

SNAKE BITE FIRST AID

Snake activity has increased throughout the Loddon Mallee region following the floods.  If you find a snake, do not panic.  Step backfrom it slowly and allow it to proceed on its way.  Do not touch the snake.  Call the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 for a list of snake catchers in your area.

If you are bitten by a snake:

• do not wash the skin around the bite
• keep still and get urgent medical help by calling 000
• lie down or sit with the bite below the level of your heart
• cover the area with a clean and dry dressing.  If available, a firm bandage around the area where the bite occurred is also recommended
• note the time of the bite and when the bandage was put on
• do not apply a tourniquet, cut the bite to release the venom or try to suck the venom out of the wound

For more information, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/bites-and-stings-first-aid#snake-bites

MOSQUITOES

There are a lot of mosquities in the Loddon Mallee region in the wake of the recent flooding.  Mosquitoes in our region can carry viruses that cause disease including Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, and Japenese encephalitis virus.

Symptoms common to most diseases carried by mosquitoes are fever, rash, joint and muscle aches, headache and fatigue.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

Protect yourself by:

• Using mosquito repellent
• Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing
• Mosquito-proofing your home and yard

More information: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/health-warning-on-ross-river-virus-barmah-forest-virus-other-mosquito-borne-diseases