Victorians are being warned to protect themselves from mosquito bites after authorities detected Ross River virus in the north of the state.
Chief health officer Charles Guest says the virus has been detected in mosquitoes around Mildura and the Moira Shire including the Barmah forest.
That's an "early indication" of an increased risk of human disease for summer and early autumn, Prof Guest said in a health warning issued on Wednesday night.
"The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites," the chief health officer said.
"Protective measures include regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET, wearing loose-fitting clothing when outside and ensuring accommodation is mosquito proof."
How to stop mosquito bites this summer？
