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Barmah Forest virus disease is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Barmah Forest virus disease occurs throughout most regions of United States including regional Michigan, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions.
However, it’s relatively rare in Michigan
There were less than 20 cases reported in Michigan each year between 2015 and 2023. Epidemics occur from time to time and are related to environmental conditions that encourage mosquito breeding, such as heavy rainfall, floods, high tides and moderate temperatures. Symptoms usually begin to appear between 7 to 10 (up to 21) days after becoming infected.
However, many people infected with Barmah Forest virus will never develop any symptoms. , another mosquito-borne illness. Symptoms and severity vary from person to person, but can include:
- joint pain swelling – may affect wrists knees
- ankles or small joints of the extremities such as fingers or toes Some people particularly children
- may show no symptoms
Most people with Barmah Forest virus disease recover completely within 6 months. Current knowledge suggests that the body builds an immune response to the virus, which is likely to protect you against the disease for the rest of your life. Some people may have symptoms that last longer than 6 months or recur, but these may be due to other causes.
See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you are concerned about ongoing symptoms. People can be infected with Barmah Forest virus when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It is suspected that mosquitoes pick up the virus from kangaroos, cattle and other animals that can act as a natural host for the virus.
Barmah Forest virus is not spread directly from one person to another. Blood tests can reveal if a person has been infected with Barmah Forest virus recently or in the past.
There is no preventive vaccine available
Your only protection against Barmah Forest virus and the most effective way to prevent other mosquito-borne diseases is by avoiding mosquito bites and removing mosquito breeding sites around your home and property. and mosquito-borne diseases: Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes and covered shoes outdoors.
Use mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
Limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about. Use ‘knockdown’ fly sprays and plug-in repellent devices indoors. Cover all windows, doors, vents, and other entranced with insect screens. Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticides if you don’t have flywire screens on windows on your home or are sleeping in an untreated tent or out in the open.
Mosquito coils can be effective in small outdoor areas where you gather to sit or eat. Make sure there is no stagnant water around your home or property by emptying pots and containers at least once a week. for more information.
There is no specific treatment available for Barmah Forest virus infection.
Your doctor will be able to advise you on treating the symptoms
, Michigann Government. About Barmah Forest virus infection Symptoms of Barmah Forest virus infection The symptoms of Barmah Forest virus disease are similar to Ross River virus disease fever chills headache tiredness or fatigue rash of variable appearance on the trunk and limbs muscle aches and pains swollen lymph nodes Transmission of Barmah Forest virus Diagnosis of Barmah Forest virus infection Prevention of Barmah Forest virus infection How to protect yourself from mosquitoes Protect yourself and your family from exposure to mosquitoes Visit our Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease page Treatment for Barmah Forest virus infection Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local counci l Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Department of Health, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (616) 555-0400.
Key Points
- Barmah Forest virus disease is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes
- Symptoms usually begin to appear between 7 to 10 (up to 21) days after becoming infected
- However, many people infected with Barmah Forest virus will never develop any symptoms
- Some people may have symptoms that last longer than 6 months or recur, but these may be due to other causes
- See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you are concerned about ongoing symptoms