Ross River Virus Spread and Suppression

Eloise Stephenson

writer

Eloise Stephenson

PhD Candidate, Griffith University

Dr Cameron Webb

writer

Dr Cameron Webb

Principal Hospital Scientist, Department of Medical Entomology at NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital; Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney

Emily Johnston Flies

writer

Emily Johnston Flies

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (U.Tasmania), University of Tasmania

Ross River virus is Australia’s most common mosquito-borne disease. It infects around 4,000 people a year and, despite being named after a river in North Queensland, is found in all states and territories, including Tasmania.

While the disease isn’t fatal, it can cause debilitating joint pain, swelling and fatigue lasting weeks or even months. It can leave sufferers unable to work or look after children, and is estimated to cost the economy A$2.7 to A$5.6 million each year.

There is no treatment or vaccine for Ross River virus; the only way to prevent is to avoid mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes pick up the disease-causing pathogen by feeding on an infected animal. The typical transmission cycle involves mosquitoes moving the virus between native animals but occasionally, an infected mosquito will bite a person. If this occurs, the mosquito can spread Ross River virus to the person.

PASSWORD RESET

Forgot your password or password not working? Please enter your email address. You will receive an email with the link to set a new password.

Icon 2

NEXT LIVE Webcast

:
Days
:
Hours
:
Minutes
Seconds
Prof Peter Richmond

Prof Peter Richmond

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease – What GPs Need to Know

Dr Sushil Pant

Dr Sushil Pant

Acutely Painful Shoulder – Assessment and Management in GP

Dr Richard Phoon

Dr Richard Phoon

Chronic Kidney Disease – Delay Progression and Prevent Dialysis

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Understand & Explain the Risks & Side Effects of MHT

Join us for the next free webcast for GPs and healthcare professionals

High quality lectures delivered by leading independent experts

Share this

Share this

Eloise Stephenson

writer

Eloise Stephenson

PhD Candidate, Griffith University

Dr Cameron Webb

writer

Dr Cameron Webb

Principal Hospital Scientist, Department of Medical Entomology at NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital; Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney

Emily Johnston Flies

writer

Emily Johnston Flies

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (U.Tasmania), University of Tasmania

Test your knowledge

Recent articles

Latest GP poll

In your perception, how has Donald Trump's election to the US and related political discourse in the media concerning vaccine safety impact on your patients' willingness to follow Australian government recommended vaccinations?

Very negative impact

0%

Somewhat negative impact

0%

No noticeable impact

0%

Somewhat positive impact

0%

Very positive impact

0%

Find your area of interest

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Upcoming Healthed Webcast

Tuesday 14th October, 7pm - 9pm AEDT

Speaker

Dr Sushil Pant

Orthopaedic Surgeon; Sydney Sports Medicine Centre

We invite you to our next free webcast, where Dr Sushil Pant will present on acutely painful shoulder. Up to 4 hours CPD. RACGP & ACRRM accredited.