Community and Public Health Phone: 03 364 1777 Fax: 03 379 6484 Web: www.cph.co.nz
Ross River virus is one of a group of viruses infection. Ross River virus infections are the called arboviruses (or arthropod-borne viruses), most common mosquito-borne infection in which are spread by the bite of infected Australia, with infections occurring in many rural
mosquitoes. It is found in Australia, Papua New areas in New South Wales. Infections are Guinea and other islands in the South Pacific but uncommon in major cities and towns. Outbreaks not in New Zealand. can occur when local conditions of rainfall, tides and temperature promote mosquito breeding. What are the symptoms? How is it prevented? Many people who are infected with the virus will never develop symptoms. There is currently no vaccine against Ross River fever.
Some people will have:
Ross River Fever River Ross Community and Public Health Communityand Public flu-like symptoms that include fever, chills, The following precautions are recommended and headache. when visiting areas in Australia where the virus is found. These will help to protect you against aches and pains in the muscles and joints. mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they swollen or stiff joints - may be particularly transmit. noticeable in the morning. Cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved a rash on the body, arms or legs. The shirt and long pants when outside. rash usually disappears after 7 to 10 days. Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET a general feeling of being unwell, tired or weak may also occur at times. (diethyl toluamide with a concentration of between 30 to 50%) to exposed skin. Symptoms usually develop about 7 to 10 days Take special care during peak mosquito after being bitten by an infected mosquito. biting hours, especially around dawn and The majority of people recover completely in a dusk. few weeks. Others may experience symptoms Remove potential mosquito breeding sites such as joint pain and tiredness for many from around the home and screen months. windows and doors. How is it spread? Take extra precautions when travelling or camping in areas with a higher risk of The virus is spread by certain types of female mosquito- borne diseases. mosquitoes, as they feed on animals and people. If they feed on the blood of an infected Avoid known areas of high mosquito- animal, the mosquito may become infected. The borne disease transmission or outbreaks. virus then multiplies within the mosquito and is How is it diagnosed? passed to other animals or people when the mosquito feeds again. Ross River infection is diagnosed by detection of antibodies against the virus in the blood. It The number of infections tends to peak in the usually requires comparison of a blood test summer and autumn months. taken early in the illness with another sample The virus is not spread directly from one person taken two weeks later to confirm the infection. to another. How is it treated? Who is at risk? There is no specific treatment for Ross River People who are in contact with known mosquito virus infection. Your doctor will be able to advise habitats and who live in warm, humid climates you on medications that will help ease the near bodies of water will be most at risk of discomfort of the symptoms.
Information adapted from: New South Wales Department of Health
Ref: Ross River Fever Authorised by: Community and Public Health (CDHB) February 2017
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