Ross river virus
Ross River virus infection is spread by the bites of female mosquitoes (freshwater and saltwater). It is most common in young adults aged 20-30. However all ages, including children, can be affected.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of this infection are often vague and mild cases are often dismissed as a mild dose of flu.
Most sufferers will have a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms that often include painful, sometimes swollen, joints. Ankles, knees, fingers and wrists are commonly affected. There is often a slight temperature and a faint red rash may be present for a few days.
Extreme tiredness and painful muscles, especially after exercise, are very common complaints. These may affect work or school performance.
What treatments are available?
There is no simple cure for this disease. Treatment consists of bed rest and pain relief with aspirin or paracetemol. Sometimes stronger drugs are needed.
Most people feel much better in 2-3 weeks and are back to normal within 3 months. However, in a few people the infection lingers on and can produce recurrent symptoms for months or even years.
Can this infection be prevented?
The only way to protect against this infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. If you are outdoors around dusk, in an area where mosquitoes are found, use insect repellants, wear light coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs and avoid wearing perfumes or other scents such as aftershave.
Checking your house and garden for areas where water can collect, such as blocked gutters, rubbish dumps, pot plants, outdoor furniture, and so on, and removing the water, will eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds.
Last Reviewed: 06 March 2009
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