Symptoms of Ross River virus disease
Ross River virus disease can cause:
Ross River virus disease can cause:
- A rash of variable appearance on the trunk and limbs affects many people
with this virus. It usually occurs one to 10 days after the onset of arthritis
and can last up to seven to 10 days - Enlargement of lymph nodes, especially in the groin or the armpit
- A feeling of ‘pins and needles’ and tenderness on the soles of one’s feet
and palms of one’s hands (in a small number of infected people). Fever is usually not a prominent feature.
Arthritis caused by Ross River Fever disease lasts from days to months. The joints commonly affected include:
- Wrists
- Knees
- Ankles
- Small joints of the extremities, such as fingers or toes.
Mosquitoes spread Ross River Fever
People can be infected with Ross River Fever when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It is suspected that mosquitoes pick up the virus from kangaroos and possibly other marsupials and wild rodents, which can act as a natural host for the virus.
People can be infected with Ross River Fever when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It is suspected that mosquitoes pick up the virus from kangaroos and possibly other marsupials and wild rodents, which can act as a natural host for the virus.
Most people recover from Ross River Fever
The majority of people with Ross River Fever disease recover completely within a year. Current knowledge suggests that the body builds an immune response to the virus, which is likely to protect you against the disease for the rest of your life. 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.
The majority of people with Ross River Fever disease recover completely within a year. Current knowledge suggests that the body builds an immune response to the virus, which is likely to protect you against the disease for the rest of your life. 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.
Preventing Ross River virus disease
To reduce the risk of infection:
To reduce the risk of infection:
- Wear long, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use effective insect repellents, which need to be applied regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more active and likely to bite.
- Ensure that your accommodation has fly screens properly fitted to windows and external doors.
- Reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding habitats around your home by ensuring no stagnant water is present. Containers holding water should be emptied and washed regularly.