Exotic mosquitoes could bring Zika, dengue outbreaks

Friendship bands and hair braids may not be the naffest things you bring home from Bali this summer, says an insect and biosecurity expert, who warns that Australia is at risk of an outbreak of Zika or dengue unless more is done to stop exotic mosquitoes setting up home here.

Cameron Webb, medical entomologist at NSW Health Pathology and the Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity at Sydney University, also cautions people to use DEET and other reliable insect repellents, and avoid “home-brew” formulations that may be advertised as healthier.

Cameron Webb, medical entomologist at NSW Health Pathology and the Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity at Sydney University, says existing monitoring systems are set up to detect local mosquitoes, and are effective.

Read the full story on theaustralian.com.au