Ross River virus: What is Ross River virus? Fear new mosquito virus spreading in Australia
AUSTRALIANS are being urged to protect themselves against the debilitating Ross River virus transmitted by mosquitoes - but what is it?
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Warnings have been issued to residents in Sydney after mosquitoes carrying the high-risk Ross River virus were detected at Deepwater Park, Bankstown and Sydney Olympic Park. New South Wales (NSW) Health's Director of Environmental Health Dr Richard Broome warned people there is “no treatment” for the infection that can floor people for months. He said: “The best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten. “Symptoms can subside after several days but some people may experience them for weeks or even months.”
What is Ross River virus?
Ross River virus is one of two most common mosquito-borne viruses in Western Australia.
The Ross River virus was first identified in mosquitoes living in the Ross River, near Townsville in Queensland, northern Australia, in 1959.
Since then it has spread to other Australian states before being detected international in South Pacific islands such as Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
The virus is spread by female mosquitoes biting people and animals, causing the infectious Ross River fever.
Symptoms typically include tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints.
People will start to show symptoms typically within three weeks of being bitten and incubation usually lasts a few days.
Where did Ross River virus originate? Is Townsville at risk?
The disease tends to peak in both summer and autumn, according to NSW official health guidelines.
Outbreaks can occur following extreme weather events, such as the extreme flooding in Townsville.
Authorities are now concerned the disease could cause an epidemic of River Ross virus plus the potentially fatal plus the Murray Valley encephalitis virus.
How to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes - NSW official health advice
There are simple steps people can take to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. They include:
- Avoid being outside during dusk, when mosquitoes are rife, and covering up with light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Regularly apply mosquito repellent to exposed areas.
- Do not spray on children but over them up and use netting on their sleep and play areas.
- Use flyscreens and get ride of containers holding water.
People are advised to see their doctors in the event of being bitten.