Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, with the majority of cases occurring in Queensland. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which can be found in a variety of environments including urban and rural areas.
Typical symptoms of Ross River virus include joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, and rash. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually develop between 3-11 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The duration of the illness can vary, but most people will recover within several weeks.
While there is no specific treatment for Ross River virus, full recovery is the usual outcome. Simple analgesia (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) and rest are often recommended to help manage symptoms. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity whilst the symptoms are present.
In Queensland, there were 2,418 confirmed cases of Ross River virus in 2019 and 3488 cases in 2020, however this is the tip of an iceberg as many cases of Ross River virus are relatively mild and go unreported or undiagnosed.
