Zika Virus – Council is conducting misting in known hotspots

Published on 25 February 2016

While primary responsibility for responding to the Zika Virus in Rockhampton sits with Queensland Health, Rockhampton Regional Council would like to advise that Council has stepped up its general mosquito misting programme within the urban environs.

This misting is separate to the spraying Queensland Health is conducting.

Council will in the course of the next 48 hours mist known hotspots for mosquito breeding.

Residents are reminded to empty out any containers that would be holding water, any palm fronds or places where water settles.

If anyone has health concerns please contact Queensland Health on 49206989.

You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by:

Inspecting your house and yard and removing any accumulation of water
Empty pot plant bases weekly or fill the base with sand to absorb water
Wash out bromeliads and other water-holding plants weekly
Clean out roof gutters regularly and trim back trees which can block gutters
Ensure rainwater tanks are screened
Maintain swimming pools
Wash out birdbaths and ornamental pools weekly
Ensure ponds are stocked with suitable native fish
Store anything that can hold water undercover or in a dry place, including work equipment, surplus materials or trailers, and keep bins covered
Throw out any rubbish lying around like unused or empty containers, tyres, additional materials and keep worksites tidy.

What you can do to protect yourself:

Screen all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes coming inside
Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing when outside
Use insect repellent
If you live in an unscreened house or are camping, sleep under a mosquito net
Air-conditioning, fans and mosquito coils are also effective in protecting you from mosquitoes.