Early monitoring by NSW Health in the west of the state has identified increased numbers of mosquitoes carrying Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses this season.

Inland flooding rainfall and warm weather have created perfect breeding conditions.

And that means Lake Macquarie could be in for a bad mozzie season.

Council’s coordinator of public health and environmental management, Derek Poulton, said the results were an indicator of what could be expected in coastal areas.

“While Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses are not fatal to humans, they can cause persistent and debilitating symptoms such as joint aches, pains, fever chills, headache and sometimes a rash,” Mr Poulton said.

“We urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites when outdoors in coming months, particularly during dawn and dusk.

“Tips to help avoid mosquito bite include wearing loose, light-clothing with long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent on exposed skin, fitting screens on windows and doors and removing or emptying still water from around the house.”

Council’s annual monitoring program is conducted in partnership with NSW Health, with the live trapped mosquitoes sent to the Department of Medical Entomology for identification and to determine whether they are carriers of disease.

Trapping will take place at Dora Creek, Teralba and Belmont.

Last year, Lake Macquarie City Council said it would not spray chemicals to control local mosquito populations, despite test results identifying the presence of Barmah Forest virus in Dora Creek.

Barmah Forest virus is transmitted to people by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Symptoms include fever, rash and sore joints.

Council would not spray mosquitoes because, for better or worse, the insects were a natural part of a healthy environment, the council said.