Ross River Virus detected in Gippsland mosquitos. Here’s how to stay safe

Ross River Virus was detected in routine investigations of mosquitos trapped in Wellington and East Gippsland shires on November 25, with mosquito numbers also being high due to wetter and warmer conditions.

The virus is often detected in Gippsland but the amount of cases depends on the mosquito population. Traps are showing higher than average mosquito numbers this season which will likely lead to more Ross River Virus infections.

🧑‍⚕️ How does the virus spread? Ross River Virus (RRV) is spread only by mosquito bites and the incidence of the virus varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. 

• Epidemics occur more often when mosquito breeding conditions are optimised due to heavy rainfall, floods, high tides and moderate temperatures. 

The threat to communities is more prevalent around inland waterways and coastal regions, however it does occur throughout regional Victoria. 

🗣️ Dr Shereen Labib, Medical and Epidemiology Manager at the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit told the Monitor: “Your only protection against Ross River virus and the most effective way to prevent other mosquito-borne diseases is by avoiding mosquito bites.”

🤒 What are the symptoms? The virus can induce symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, joint pains and swelling, rash on the body, arms or legs, and swollen lymph nodes. 

While fewer than one quarter of people infected will actually become ill, Labib advises people to seek medical attention if they get symptoms.  

🗣️ Labib said doctors are able to confirm a diagnosis of RRV with blood tests but there is no specific treatment available for a RRV infection.

• “Most people will make a full recovery after a few weeks. Others may have symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months.”

There is no preventative vaccine available for RRV.

🦟 Trapping infectious mozzies

Mosquito control officers from Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils use mosquito traps to test for the presence of RRV and Barmah Forest Virus – which can cause symptoms similar to RRV but is usually not as severe.

Protect yourself from bites 

While both Councils put in place measures to actively reduce mozzie populations, people are advised to take protective measures to avoid bites.

Protection measures include:

• Wearing loose, light coloured clothing with long sleeves and long trousers;

• Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalypt (PMD); 

• Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, especially near wetlands and flooded areas;

• Removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home or campsite.