What is a mozzie in Australia?
Mozzie is Australian slang for a mosquito. Mozzies are a common summer nuisance across Australia, and some species can spread diseases such as Ross River virus.
The word follows the familiar pattern of shortening words and adding ie. Australians talk about mozzie bites, mozzie spray and mozzie coils, which are burned to keep mosquitoes away on summer evenings.
Australia has around 300 mosquito species. Only some bite humans, and only females bite, as they need blood to produce eggs.
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases in Australia include Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, which cause joint pain and fatigue, and Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis, which are rarer but serious. Dengue fever occurs mainly in far north Queensland.
Health authorities advise covering up with loose, light-coloured clothing, using repellent and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as in pot plant saucers and old tyres.
In north Queensland, the World Mosquito Program has released mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria, which block dengue transmission. Dengue outbreaks in Cairns and Townsville have dropped sharply since.
Did You Know?
Flyscreens on windows and doors are standard in many Australian homes to keep out mozzies and flies.