As the weather warms up, it's time to think about covering up to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

The State Government has expanded the eligibility of Victoria's free Japanese Encephalitis Virus vaccine program to additional areas across the state.

It follows advice from Victoria's Chief Health Officer and means the vaccine is now available to people in 24 regional local government areas, primarily inland riverine regions, where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Most people with JEV infection do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms. However, a small number (around one in every 250 people) can develop severe infection of the brain (encephalitis).

Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, and people with severe infection can develop encephalitis or meningitis which can be fatal.

Ross River

Bass Coast is not one of the areas of concern for JEV, but residents and visitors are advised to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, with numerous cases of Ross River Virus detected in and around Phillip Island in recent years.

In 2021, there were 15 reported cases, in San Remo and across Phillip Island, including Cowes, Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach, Wimbledon Heights and a property along Harbison Road.

Previously, the shire said six of the seven mozzie hot spots in Bass Coast are found on Phillip Island: the Rhyll and Newhaven swamps, Fisher's wetland near Churchill Island, Rhyll foreshore, Silverleaves, the Gun Club south of Rhyll, as well as the mouth of the Powlett River at Kilcunda.

Mosquitoes can fly several kilometres if the wind conditions are right.

Simple and practical steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, include:

• wearing long, loose and light-coloured clothing when outdoors
• using mosquito repellents that contain active ingredients including Picaridin or DEET
• spraying or rubbing repellent on children's clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin
• limiting time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active such as at dawn and dusk
• removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite
• making sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens

To learn how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease.