Mozzie numbers are increasing after the recent heavy rainfall and warm weather - and with that comes the danger of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses being spread.

So, "avoid being bitten", is the message from health authorities.

North Public Health Unit assistant director Greg Bell, said Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that breed in flooded, grassy and swampy areas and around waterways. 

Mr bell said people can take simple steps people to avoid being bitten, including; when outside, covering up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear. 

Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration.

The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. Those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide adequate protection. 

Using mosquito coils outdoors and vaporising mats indoors to repel mosquitoes from an area. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective. 

Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens. 

When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets. 

“To reduce areas for mosquitoes to breed around your home, clean up your yard and remove all water-holding rubbish, regularly flush out pot plant bases, keep house guttering clear, and make sure openings of septic tanks and water tanks are covered and screened securely,” Mr Bell said. 

Ross River Fever symptoms

Symptoms of Ross River Fever vary from person-to-person and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, rash, fatigue, aching tendons, swollen lymph nodes, headache, especially behind the eyes, joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

The most distinctive and distressing feature of Ross River virus infection is usually joint pain. Any joint in the body may be affected, but the most common sites are the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, elbows, shoulders and jaw. The pain may be more severe in different joints at different times.

In most cases, symptoms disappear within six weeks, though some people may still have symptoms after a year or two and the symptoms may come and go. About 10% of people have ongoing depression and fatigue.

Barmah Forest Infection symptoms

Fever, chills, headache and muscle pain.

Joint swelling, stiffness and pain, especially in the mornings.

A rash, usually on the trunk or limbs. The rash usually lasts for 7 - 10 days.

A feeling of tiredness or weakness.

More information about mosquito-borne infections is available on the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mosquito.aspx