Health Protection Strategy – Review of the South Australian Arbovirus Management Strategy

The South Australian Arbovirus Management Strategy highlights emerging issues and identifies opportunities to protect South Australian residents and visitors against serious diseases caused by blood-feeding arthropods. 

Mosquitoes are vectors of several arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) affecting humans and are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. In South Australia, endemic flaviviruses, including Murray Valley encephalitis virus, West Nile virus Kunjin strain, and Japanese encephalitis virus, are of particular concern due to their potential to cause permanent neurological damage or death in humans. Alphaviruses, including the Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, are also a cause for concern in South Australia as they can cause chronic illness. 

Healthy Environs was engaged to work with SA Health’s Health Protection Services Team to review the Strategy and accompanying Plan which provides a risk-based approach to determine required mosquito surveillance and control activities. Our team led consultation on the draft Plan with local and state government stakeholders to foster a partnership approach to South Australia’s Arbovirus management. 

We look forward to the Strategy and Plan being rolled out.