NSW Gov Link NSW Health Far West Local Health District



     Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size


Media

The Far West LHD Media Unit is responsible for all media inquiries and interviews with Far West LHD staff members. The Unit regularly advises on major public health issues and disease outbreaks, through media releases, media conferences and, sometimes, special telephone hotlines.

Contact us

The Media Officer for Far West LHD is Branko Licul on 0411 119 592 or email branko.licul@health.nsw.gov.au

The Media Unit is the primary point of contact for news organisations. All media enquiries must come through the Media Unit in the first instance. This includes:

  • Requests for interviews
  • Photo requests of staff, patients or our facilities
  • General enquiries about health issues
  • Any condition updates on patients who have been injured in an accident or are otherwise of interest to the media

Please do not call our hospitals directly as they are not allowed to provide this information.

Staff are not permitted to speak to journalists or representatives of media organisations without the knowledge or permission of the Media Officer.

An On-Call Media Officer is available after normal business hours to assist media with urgent enquiries. This is organised on a roster basis and the correct person to contact is available via a voicemail message on 0411 119 592.

 

 

 

 




View Far West LHD Media Releases for

<< The archived Media Releases from the Greater Western AHS can be accessed here >>





19 January 2022

Take Precautions To Protect Against Mosquito Bites And Mosquito-borne Disease


Due to recent rains and flooding, Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) is urging people to take extra precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites, and acquiring mosquito-borne disease.

Jenni Floyd, FWLHD Acting Director of Public Health, said it is important for people to be vigilant about protecting themselves, particularly after recent rain and floods have led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

“People should do what they can do to avoid mosquito bites as, along with the Ross River Virus, mosquitoes can also spread disease such as Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis,” Ms Floyd said.

“These infections can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms like tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints. The symptoms usually only last a few days but some people may experience them for weeks or even months.

“There are no specific treatments for these viruses and the best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

“As a way to help avoid being bitten, it’s important to take steps to eliminate the risk of mosquitoes breeding around your home.

“We are working with a number of agencies to support communities at risk but we encourage residents and visitors to take preventative actions by;

  • When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear, particularly at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 
  • Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
  • Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
  • Remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes could breed.

For further information on mosquito-borne disease and ways to protect yourself go to:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/pests/vector/Pages/resources.aspx

Fact sheets on specific mosquito-borne diseases, including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, are available at:

www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/pests/vector/Pages/factsheets.aspx