Mosquito warning for long weekend

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Victorians are being urged to cover up and protect themselves from mosquito bites this long weekend.

Mosquitos are still active at this time of year and Deputy Chief Health Officer Deborah Friedman says they are still capable of transmitting a range of diseases, including Japanses Encephalitis virus and the Ross River virus.

“Mosquitoes can be active throughout the day, but the peak period is often around the late afternoon and into the evening as well as around dawn and dusk,” she said.

“People should wear long, loose fitting clothes and use repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin.”

Other hints include fitting insect screens to doors and windows around the home and windows.