The Health Department is warning residents across the state to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of the virus, with 857 reported since January 1, well above the figure for the same time last year.

The City of Greater Bendigo is one of a number of councils to receive funding this year to undertake control measures for the first time, following an explosion of mosquito activity in the area in recent months.

The city’s environmental health and local laws manager Susannah Milne said there had been a number of reported cases of Ross River virus in the Bendigo area so far this year, but given the close proximity to the holiday season she said those who fell ill may have contracted the virus elsewhere.

“There are reported cases of Ross River virus but where the person got it from is probably a little bit hard to distinguish so the state government’s providing a widespread approach,” she said.

Ms Milne said while mosquito numbers had dropped off in Bendigo since the peak period late last year, those that were still around were even more cause for concern.

“The mosquitoes that are still around now are the ones that actually carry the viruses, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, so it’s really still important to be aware and to protect yourself,” she said.

“Even though there’s less numbers of them they’re the ones that actually will cause the illnesses so people shouldn’t be complacent.”

Ms Milne said the $40,000 provided to the council by the state government went towards disrupting the mosquitoes’ breeding cycle, and urged residents to contact the council if they suspected a breeding ground was nearby.

Meanwhile, she said following common sense steps could help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Wearing appropriate repellents, wearing long, loose clothing when they’re outdoors and looking for where they could have mosquitoes breeding on their property, in water dishes, in pot plants, all that kind or stuff,” she said.

“Even as simple as emptying the water bowl or bird bath once a week.”

Symptoms for Ross River virus are fever, headache, aching muscles and/or joints and fatigue. People experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention from their GP or local hospital. Symptoms may first appear between two and 14 days following a mosquito bite.