Carnarvon floods spark warning from health officer

The Shire of Carnarvon has issued a warning to residents there will likely be a “significant” influx of mosquitoes and increased risk of infections, as the town grapples with the aftermath of this month’s devastating floods.

A Shire environmental health officer said the flood — one of the worst in Carnarvon in 50 years — would likely lead to an increased presence of insect species which flourished in stagnant waters.

“Local rainfall and flooding that cause widespread standing water are known to cause significant mosquito breeding,” they said.

“Without being able to predict exactly, it would be prudent to expect a significant increase in mosquitoes over the next few weeks or longer,” they said.

They added residents should avoid flood-affected areas as they may contain effluent waste and could risk infections.

More than 200mm of water was dumped in the Gascoyne River, resulting in the usually dry river reaching 7.12m at Nine Mile Bridge.

The Shire has assured residents they would continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate actions, such as fogging but asked community members to protect themselves in the coming weeks.

“The community should empty household water containers around the house, which can cause localised mosquito breeding,” a spokesperson said.

“Residents should protect themselves with screened living and sleeping areas wherever possible, combined with incense or other repellents.”