Our Blog

The CSIRO has warned Australians to be more vigilant about our spindliest enemies this summer with a surge in mosquito numbers expected amid La Niña weather conditions.Southern and central Queensland have already seen the effects of widespread rain and flooding and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says those conditions are here to stay.Across Queensland this year, there have been more than 200 cases of Barmah Forest virus, and more than 770 cases of Ross River virus – both debilitating mosquito-b …

Mosquitoes carry diseases that may be passed on to people or animals through mosquito bites.New research to tackle one of Australia’s most prolific mosquitos, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya are a major global public health issue. More than half of the world’s population are at risk from diseases spread by mosquitoes.Increased trade, urbanization and global …

A health scientist is urging local governments across Western Australia to increase mosquito controls to prevent another surge in cases of Ross River virus.Key points:Ross River virus — or fever — is a non-lethal but debilitating disease transmitted by mosquitos816 people contracted the virus in WA during the 2020–21 financial year compared with 318 the year before The Department of Health is urging local governments to increase mosquito control activities to prevent another spike this season La …

New research to tackle one of Australia's most prolific mosquitoes, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter region of New South Wales.The three-year project, between the University of Newcastle, Australia's national science agency CSIRO, the NSW Department of Health and the University of Melbourne, will use genomic sequencing to inform suppression strategies for the Aedes vigilax mosquito.The Aedes vigilax is one of the most widespread mosquito speci …

The malaria parasite is well known for hijacking red blood cells in its potentially deadly quest to spread to its next unsuspecting victim via a mosquito bite.But scientists have discovered it has another surprising trick up its sleeve: it can lurk undetected in the spleen, which filters blood.Key points:Scientists had long suspected this finding but had no direct evidence until nowThe discovery rewrites what we know about the life cycle of this insidious parasite that infects millions of people …