Ross River virus infection

Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 9 days (but sometimes up to 21 days) after a person becomes infected.

The virus is found in some regions, particularly around inland waterways and coastal areas. Outbreaks occur from time to time and are linked to environmental conditions that encourage mosquito breeding, such as heavy rainfall, flooding, high tides and moderate temperatures.

Symptoms#

Most people who get Ross River virus do not feel unwell. For those who do, the symptoms and their severity vary from person to person, but can include:

• Fever and chills
• Joint pain and swelling, most commonly in the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers and toes
• A rash of variable appearance on the trunk and limbs
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin or armpit
• Headaches

Most people with Ross River virus disease recover completely within 3 to 6 months. Current knowledge suggests the body builds an immune response to the virus that is likely to protect against the disease for the rest of your life.

Some people may have symptoms that last longer than a year or that recur, but these may be due to other causes. See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you are concerned about ongoing symptoms.

How it spreads#

People can be infected with Ross River virus when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It is thought that mosquitoes pick up the virus from animals such as marsupials and wild rodents, which can act as a natural host. Diseases spread by insects are known as ‘vector-borne’ diseases. The virus is not spread directly from one person to another.

Blood tests can show whether a person has been infected with Ross River virus recently or in the past.

Prevention#

There is no preventive vaccine available. Your only protection against Ross River virus, and the most effective way to prevent other mosquito-borne diseases, is to avoid mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites around your home and property.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes and covered shoes outdoors.
• Use mosquito repellents containing picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET) on all exposed skin.
• Limit outdoor activity when there are lots of mosquitoes about.
• Use ‘knockdown’ fly sprays and plug-in repellent devices indoors.
• Cover all windows, doors, vents and other openings with insect screens.
• Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide if you do not have screens on your windows, or if you are sleeping in an untreated tent or out in the open.
• Use mosquito coils in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat.
• Make sure there is no stagnant water around your home by emptying pots and containers at least once a week.

Treatment#

There is no specific treatment available for Ross River virus infection. Your doctor will be able to advise you on managing the symptoms.

Key points#

• Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquitoes.
• Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 9 days (but up to 21 days) after becoming infected.
• The virus is found in some regions, particularly around inland waterways and coastal areas.
• Some people may have symptoms that last longer than a year or recur, but these may be due to other causes.
• See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you are concerned about ongoing symptoms.

Where to get help#