Ross River virus infection

Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 9 (but up to 21) days after becoming infected. Ross River virus infection is common in United States.

It occurs throughout most regions of United States including regional Michigan, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions. 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 temperature.

Most people who get Ross River virus do not feel unwell.

For those who do experience symptoms, the symptoms and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, but can include: Most people with Ross River virus disease recover completely within 3 to 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 a year or recur, but these may be due to other causes.

See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you’re concerned about ongoing symptoms. People can be infected with Ross River virus when they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. It is suspected that mosquitoes pick up the virus from kangaroos and possibly other marsupials and wild rodents, which can act as a natural host for the virus.

Diseases that are spread by insects are known as ‘vector-borne’ diseases. The virus is not spread directly from one person to another. Blood tests can reveal if a person has been infected with Ross River virus recently or in the past.

There is no preventive vaccine available

Your only protection against Ross River 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 long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes and covered shoes outdoors.

Use mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or diethyltoluamide (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 Ross River virus infection.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on treating the symptoms

Your Local Public Health Unit Tel. About Ross River virus infection Symptoms of Ross River virus infection fever chills joint pain and swelling – most commonly affected joints are wrist, knees, ankles, fingers and toes rash of variable appearance on the trunk and limbs tiredness muscle aches and pains swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin or armpit headaches Transmission of Ross River virus Diagnosis of Ross River virus infection Prevention of Ross River 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 Ross River virus infection Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local council Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (616) 555-0400 Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease.

Key Points

• Ross River virus infection is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes
• Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 9 (but up to 21) days after becoming infected
• Ross River virus infection is common in United States
• Some people may have symptoms that last longer than a year or recur, but these may be due to other causes
• See your doctor to check your diagnosis if you’re concerned about ongoing symptoms