An illness caused by infection
with the Ross
River virus. Many people
infected with Ross
River virus (particularly
children) have no symptoms. The severity of symptoms increases with
age.
Symptoms when present include
fever, headache, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and a rash. In the
majority of cases, symptoms disappear within 6 weeks. However, 10% of people
have ongoing depression and fatigue.
Diagnosis is made by a series
of blood tests. Other viral illnesses with similar symptoms may need to be
excluded.
The infection is spread by
mosquitoes from infected animals (native animals and livestock) to humans. In
large outbreaks, mosquitoes may also spread the virus from infected people to
other people.
Incubation period
3-11
days.
Infectious period
Direct person-to-person spread
does not occur.
Diagnosis
A variety of blood tests are
used to demonstrate the presence of specific antibodies to Ross River virus.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment
for the virus however pain and fever symptoms can be alleviated by the use of
analgesics such as Paracetamol. Anti inflammatory medications may be used for
treating arthritic symptoms.
Prevention
Self protection is the most
effective way of preventing infection. The following measures are effective
methods of personal protection :
- Wear loose fitting, light
coloured clothing covering up as much of the body as possible. Mosquitoes can
bite through tight fitting clothing (eg, jeans).
- Use insect repellents
containing DEET (Diethyl toluamide) to cover areas of exposed skin. Always read
the manufacturer's instructions prior to application.
- Wash DEET off before going to
bed in the evening. Do not use on infants if the DEET concentration exceeds 20%.
- Use 1mm insect screens on your
house, caravan or tent. If this is not possible, use a mosquito
net.
Breeding sites
Mosquitoes like to breed in
still water and different species have adapted to fresh and salt water
environments.
In Tasmania the coastal
regions extending from the North (including the islands of eastern Bass
Strait),down the East and South Eastern corner have all shown to be ideal for
the transmission of Ross River virus. The most common sites within these coastal
districts are salt marshes(which are adjacent to the coast) which provide ideal
mosquito breeding sites.
It should noted that
relatively little is known about the distribution of mosquito species and which
species carry the Ross River virus in Tasmania and it is prudent to avoid be
bitten by any mosquitoes. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home
you should consider removing sites where mosquitoes could breed. This means
anywhere where still water can collect.
Ross River virus infection is a Notifiable Disease.
Adapted from "You’ve got What?" with the
permission of the Department of Human Services, South Australia.