Changing climate and favourable conditions are seeing Japanese encephalitis virus spread widely in Australia. What is this virus, and what’s being done about it?

Following its successful launch late last year, Northern Rivers councils and the North Coast Public Health Unit are once again running Tackling Mosquitoes Together, a behaviour change program to reduce the disease risks and nuisance of mosquitoes in homes and local communities.

A long summer and recent rains have boosted mosquito populations and the North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding residents and visitors to protect themselves against the insects which are increasing in numbers.

As climate change gathers pace, the Northern Rivers could be at a high-risk for invasion by the exotic mosquitoes responsible for Dengue fever due to our proximity to Queensland.

The recent rains have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and there are plenty of mosquito-0borne diseases that are ready to spread. So it is time to clean up all those pools of water around the house.

Have been slapping yourself uncontrollably recently? Recent rains and high tides, have created pools of water all over our region, which are ideal breeding spots for mosquitoes – and they have responded by breeding up in droves.

Emergency resilience. My phrase for our knowledge and practices from year to year in response to great ecological cycles. One of these is water, turning from scarcity to deluge and back.

Mosquito numbers will increase following the flood as ideal breeding conditions are left behind. Tweed council is encouraging everyone in the region to tip out water from pot plants, clear drains and ensure they aren't creating more breeding grounds for the disease carrying critters.

The incidence of Ross River fever on the north coast has jumped massively, according to NSW Health, from just 19 cases this time last...