Kids ‘at bug risk’

Alex de Vos
Council neglect threatens an outbreak of the flesh-eating Bairnsdale ulcer at St Leonards Primary School, a community group has warned.
St Leonards Progress Association fears open drains outside the primary school on Murradoc Road are a breeding ground for mosquitoes linked to the infection.
Association president Graeme Collins called for City of Greater Geelong to immediately install underground drains to remove stagnant water outside the school.
The drains run for about 200 metres on both sides of the road.
Mosquito prevention has been a priority on council’s agenda this year as infections of the flesh-eating Bairnsdale ulcer increase and spread across the Bellarine Peninsula and into Geelong.
Health officials have noted a link between mosquitoes and the ulcer but have not determined whether the insects carry the bug.
Authorities have warned Bellarine Peninsula residents to clean exposed skin and wounds after outdoor activity and to wear insect repellent.
“When I attended an ulcer information session at City Hall they showed graphic photographs of a three or four-year-old with the infection and I felt in my heart for this child,” Mr Collins said.
“Lord knows what is going to happen if this disease gets hold of our kids.
“It (open drains in Murradoc Road) is really a risk and a public health issue.”
He believed council was neglecting St Leonards because the City had been installing underground drains near car park spaces at the other end of Murradoc Road, in Drysdale.
“The children of St Leonards Primary School are of less importance than kerb-side parking in Drysdale,” Mr Collins said.
“Open drains provide that little mosquito with perfect breeding conditions in stagnant water and a short flight of less than 20 metres to the soft young flesh of the St Leonards Primary School children.”
The Independent called the City for comment on Tuesday but it had failed to reply before the paper went to press yesterday.