Holiday-goers through Easter are at an increased risk of mosquito-borne viral infections due to the recent heavy rain and flooding. 

The recent weather conditions have created an ideal breeding conditions for these viruses. 

Mosquito-borne viral infections can develop symptoms seven to ten days after the initial bite and can last for months. 

Part of northern Queensland has mosquitos that transmit dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika infections. 
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, rash, stiffness, pain and feeling of tiredness or weakness. 

People who are spending more time outdoors, especially if they are camping, are encouraged to protect themselves against mosquitoes to reduce the risk of diseases becoming transmitted. 

“Make sure when you’re outside enjoying a well-earned break that you don’t return home with a nasty infection,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. 

Some actions that can be taken are to cover-up with clothing, apply mosquito repellent, take care in peak mosquito biting hours like dawn and dusk and screen windows and doors around home. 

Other actions to reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding around the home include cleaning up the backyard, removing water-holding rubbish, keeping lawns mowed, flushing bird baths once a week, filling pot plant bases with sand, keeping drains and roof gutters clear and covering openings of septic tanks.