Australia: Ross River virus infections up in Queensland
Officials at Queensland Health are reporting a rise in Ross River virus infections since February.
“This year to date, 2,065 cases of Ross River virus have been detected in humans – the highest number of cases recorded since the 2019-20 season”, according to Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall.
“Cases peaked during the second week of March with 333 weekly cases recorded.
“The majority of cases (50 per cent) have been recorded in south-east Queensland this year.
“Ross River virus cases among Queenslanders this summer season (November to April) were 2.4 times higher than the five-year average, with south-east Queensland areas recording totals between six to eight times higher than average,” she said.
Hospital and Health Service regions with the largest increases in Ross River virus cases compared to previous years were Sunshine Coast, Metro North, Metro South, Gold Coast, and Wide Bay.
2020 was the last time there was a significant Ross River virus outbreak in Queensland, when 3,381 annual cases were recorded.
The rise in cases in people coincided with a record-breaking number of positive mosquito samples this season.
McDougall said this summer season (November 2023-April 2024), samples from more than 1,225 mosquito traps were tested for Ross River virus, with a record 116 traps testing positive.
“This is the highest number of tests returning a positive result for the virus in a single season since the surveillance program started in 2016,” Dr McDougall said.
The symptoms of Ross River fever include fever, chills, headache, aches and pains which typically begin within three weeks of being bitten.
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Tiredness and sore and swollen joints can also occur. A rash may appear for the first 7 – 10 days of illness in some people.
Symptoms can subside after a few weeks but some people may experience them for weeks or even months. People should see their doctor if they experience these symptoms.
People can reduce their risk of getting Ross River fever by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes. Steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:
When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear
Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin
Take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk
Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors
Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective
When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.
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