Health & Wellbei
Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases
This article contains important information to help Victorian schools minimise the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
In most years, from October to March, warm and wet weather in Victoria can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and increased risk of illnesses from mosquito bites.
The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites.
Please share this information with your staff and use our template content to also share it with parents and carers, to help protect your school community against mosquito-borne diseases.
How to protect against mosquito-borne diseases
To help protect against bites, students and staff can:
cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
use mosquito repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin
limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.
Where possible, schools can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
removing any stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding
sealing any rainwater tanks or water-storage devices
preventing mosquitoes from entering school buildings by:
repairing holes in flyscreens
using knockdown sprays or electronic zappers
cleaning guttering and storm water pits
if camping, ensuring tents are properly fitted with mosquito netting.
When you notice a lot of mosquito activity, close windows and doors that do not have flyscreens, and use air purifiers. When the mosquito activity is reduced, consider re-opening doors and windows.
Staff or students who are worried about their health should visit their doctor or phone NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines are available to protect Victorians at higher risk of the virus.
The Victorian Department of Health encourages eligible people who live or work in high-risk local government areas to get vaccinated.
For more information, including what is considered a high-risk area and eligibility for a free vaccine, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:
Outdoor Activities and Working Outdoors
Find out more
For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, refer to Mosquitoes can carry diseases – Better Health Channel, including posters, social media and resources translated into several languages.
Better Health Channel also has information about mosquito-borne diseases known in Victoria, including Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River virus.
For further enquiries, contact the Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division by email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au