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Ross River Virus - Australia (02): (Victoria)

Archive Number: 20210211.8183575

Published Date: February 11, 2021

Health authorities in Victoria, Australia are concerned about the rising cases of Ross River virus disease, a viral infection spread through the bites of mosquitoes. In just over one month, 10 people have been infected with the virus in the Victoria municipality of Wellington Shire. Authorities are urging the residents of Gippsland, a region in Victoria that includes Wellington Shire, to be mindful of mosquitoes and take precautions when outside (International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2021). A resident of Sale, a city in Gippsland, who was diagnosed with Ross River virus disease in December 2020 believes health authorities should be doing more to spread awareness of the virus. The resident was quite healthy and active prior to contracting the disease. She is co-owner of a local restaurant and has had to take it easy while working ever since she fell sick. She describes her signs and symptoms as having excruciating pain, especially in her joints, fatigue, and a rash. At the time the article was written, she said she continued having pain, although not as bad, and some numbness in her fingers (International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2021).

Ross River virus disease is also known as Ross River fever. The Ross River virus is part of a group of viruses called arboviruses or arthropod-borne viruses. These viruses are spread through the bite of an infected insect and in the case of Ross River virus it is a mosquito (New South Wales Government, 2016). If a mosquito bites another animal who is infected with Ross River Virus, it may become infected. The mosquito can then infect other animals or humans with the virus when it feeds off their blood. The virus cannot be spread from human to human. According to the CDC, “about 55%-75% of people who are infected do not feel sick” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). The disease can be asymptomatic. Not all who are infected will develop symptoms. Those that do may have flu-like symptoms including fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle and joint pain. Joints can become stiff and swollen. A rash may develop on the body, arms, or legs. The incubation period for the virus is usually 7-10 days. Most people will have a full recovery within a few weeks but some have symptoms for many months (New South Wales Government, 2016). Some even have lingering symptoms for several years. There is no treatment for Ross River virus disease, but you can take medications to alleviate the symptoms. About 10 years ago, an effective vaccine was developed for Ross River virus, but it was not financially viable (International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2021).

Ross River virus can be found across all of Australia. In fact, cases of Red River virus can be found in most parts of Victoria (International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2021). Victoria is a state in southeast Australia. It is the 2nd most populous Australian state and the most densely populated. This area of Australia is a mountainous, coastal region and the wettest with nearly 80 inches of precipitation a year (Waterson & Prescott, 2019). Gippsland is the southeast region of Victoria. The dairy industry along with lumbering and tourism are very important in Gippsland. The coastal resorts and many lakes are a major source of income (Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2012). Because the soil is fertile and gets lots of rainfall each year, residents of cities like Sale take part in intensive farming and livestock raising (Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2020).

The climate of southeast Australia, especially between the months of February through May, is favorable for mosquitoes. The warm temperatures and frequent rainfall of the coastal region are perfect for mosquitoes to live and breed causing an increase in the mosquito population that are possibly carrying and spreading the virus. Australian weather forecasters believe the 2020-21 La Niña event is creating even more favorable conditions for mosquitoes (International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2021). La Niña brings more rainfall and warmer nighttime temperatures. The impacts of La Niña can last for several months (Bureau of Meteorology, 2016). Cases of Ross River virus disease tend to increase when there is heavy rain. La Niña and the increase of rainfall and warm temperatures could possibly be the reason for an increase in cases since there are likely more mosquitoes. Another reason could be the high amount of outdoor activity in the region.

The coming months will have a greater potential for more cases. Residents of Gippsland should take more precaution when outdoors and take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Tourists should also be made aware of the risk of infection and what they can do to lower their risks.

References

Bureau of Meteorology. (2016, August). What is La Niña and how does it impact Australia. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/updates/articles/a020.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Ross River virus disease. Travelers' Health. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/ross-river-virus-disease

Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2012, January 16). Gippsland. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Gippsland

Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2020, July 15). Sale. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Sale-Queensland

International Society for Infectious Diseases. (2021, February 11). Ross River Virus - Australia (02): (Victoria). Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://promedmail.org/promed-post/?id=8183575

New South Wales Government. (2016, May 1). Red River fever fact sheet. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ross-river-fever.aspx

Waterson, D. B., & Prescott, J. R.V. (2019, March 7). Victoria. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Victoria-state-Australia