ACT Health have warned Canberrans to dress properly over the long weekend, as disease-carrying mosquitoes could potentially cross the NSW border.
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A range of mosquito-borne diseases have been detected in NSW, including such as Murray Valley Encephalitis which can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
ACT chief health officer Dr Paul Kelly urged residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes over Easter by using repellant and covering up when outside.
He said increasing numbers of mosquitoes carrying diseases had been detected in parts of NSW, including bush areas around Sydney and regional NSW.
"NSW is seeing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes carrying Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Kunjin and Murray Valley Encephalitis," he said.
"These infections can cause symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, sore and swollen joints."
Dr Kelly said as there was a chance of NSW mosquitoes crossing the border into the ACT, Canberrans should be on the look out for symptoms.
"As there is no specific treatment for these viruses, the best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," he said.
In a statement, ACT Health said the best way to avoid mosquito bites was to cover up outside, wear mosquito repellent in exposed areas and empty outdoor containers that hold water.
