First Aid News

Mosquito Borne Diseases

Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases 

Warm and wet weather can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and an increased risk of illness from mosquito bites. While the overall risk in Victoria is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.  

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. 

Families can protect against mosquito bites by:   

• making mosquito protection part of getting ready to go outside, just like sunscreen and a hat 
• covering up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing   
• applying insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors  
• limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are often most active 
• cleaning up and removing containers and items around the home that may hold water where mosquitoes may breed. 

Families with any health concerns should see 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. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain. 

A free vaccine is available to eligible Victorians at higher risk of the virus.  

For more information, including vaccine eligibility, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.  

Find out more 

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages: 

• Mosquitoes can carry diseases 
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages. 
• Japanese encephalitis virus. 

Bird Flu

Cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in birds across Australia, including in south-west Victoria. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) expects there will be further spread in wild birds.

The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

This article outlines what you must do if a sick or dead bird is found at your school. 

Sick or dead birds at or near a school

If sick or dead birds, or other wildlife, are found at or near your school, you must:

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).

1. avoid contact with the animal or its environment. Ensure staff and students do not touch sick or dead birds or wildlife
2. record date, time, location and take photos
3. wearing a face mask and gloves, double bag the bird and dispose of it in the rubbish bin (If you suspect the bird has died from bird flu, keep the bird double bagged and call the animal hotline below immediately).
4. report it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 and follow their instructions 
5. contact the department’s Incident Support and Operations Centre on 1800 126 126.

Signs of bird flu

The most important sign is sudden death, especially in large numbers. Other signs may include:

• Unable to stand, walk or fly properly
• Ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes
• Droopy or puffed-up appearance
• Breathing problems, including panting, coughing or sneezing
• Diarrhoea
• Twisted neck or unusual head posture
• Swollen head, neck or eyes
• Lack of coordination, tremors or swimming in circles

For current information about reporting, refer to DEECA’s H5 bird flu page.

Schools with chickens or other birds onsite

Schools with chickens or other birds onsite should:

• keep feed and water away from wild birds 
• keep your birds away from dams, ponds and wild bird areas 
• use netting, roofing or fencing where practical 
• wear clean boots and clothes when entering poultry areas.

If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

Policy, guidance and resources

Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:

• Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including Emergencies)
• Teaching with Animals.

Find out more

For the latest updates and more information on bird flu, refer to:

• DEECA’s H5 bird flu page
• the Australian Government’s Bird flu page
• the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds.

For specific enquiries about bird flu, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

For more advice about department requirements, contact the Animal Ethics and Welfare team by email: animalethics@education.vic.gov.au