Holiday makers have been warned to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases recently detected near Swan Hill.
Chief health officer Professor Charles Guest was prompted to issue a health alert on Wednesday after the Ross River virus was detected in mosquitoes around Mildura, Moira and the Barmah Forest, an early indication of increased risk of human disease for summer and early autumn.
"The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites," Professor Guest said in a health alert.
"Protective measures include regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside and ensuring accommodation is mosquito proof".
For full story, see Friday's Guardian (January 6, 2017)