Bug bites spread

Alex de Vos
The flesh-eating Bairnsdale ulcer has claimed another nine victims on the Bellarine Peninsula as the window opens for City Hall to begin its aerial attack on mosquitoes.
A Department of Human Services spokesperson confirmed to the Independent this week that infections so far this year had reached 41, up from 32 last month.
Last month’s infection rate was three times the figure for the same period in 2005.
The spokesperson said 20 of the bug attacks were “associated” with Point Lonsdale.
Ten were diagnosed in residents of Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove, five were from additional parts of the Bellarine Peninsula and six were in other areas of City of Greater Geelong.
Bairnsdale ulcer infections attack skin and flesh, leaving large wounds often requiring surgery.
Health authorities have link-ed Bairnsdale ulcer to mosquitoes but have yet to determine whether the insect carries or causes the bug.
The annual window for City Hall’s five-year permit for aerial spraying began on Tuesday.
Bellarine Peninsula councillor Tom O’Connor said the City had no need to start spraying yet because mosquito populations were still limited.
“They (mosquitoes) won’t worry us just at this moment,” Cr O’Connor said
Ocean Grove Community and District Association president Michael Harbour reported little problems with mosquitoes in his town as spring approached.
He was confident council would begin fight any outbreaks early this year.
“The City and its team are all ready to hit the ground running at any sign of an increase,” Mr Harbour said.
The Independent reported a warning from Cr O’Connor earlier this month that a lack of financial help from the State Government could “dent” council’s spraying program this year.
This week he said council had yet to apply for funding.
“We’ve got to meet with local politicians first and we’re waiting to get them all together before we put a letter in,” Cr O’Connor said.