March 26, 2015
South Burnett residents are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites to help stem a dramatic increase in Ross River Virus cases.
Darling Downs Public Health Unit Director Dr Penny Hutchinson said that so far during March 2015 there had been 75 cases notified in the Darling Downs region, a significant increase on the previous five years for the same period.
“The latest figures up to the second week of March show there have been 3292 notifications of Ross River Virus across Queensland which is 8.1 times the five-year average,” Dr Hutchinson said.
“Periodic peaks are seen in Queensland with the current peak being the second highest in the past 25 years.”
She said trends in age group and sex distribution of notifications in 2015 were consistent with those over the previous five years.
“The disease occurs most often in young adults 25-40 years of age and children are more likely to show no symptoms.
“Ross River Virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes and causes fatigue, fever, skin rash and joint pain which can be very debilitating.”
Across the State, mosquito activity is likely to continue over the coming weeks due to recent and ongoing weather conditions including rainfall, tidal patterns, temperature and humidity.
Dr Hutchinson said the best Ross River Fever prevention was to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Avoid being outside during times of heavy infestation of mosquitoes eg. early evenings in the warmer months
- Use insect repellents and wear protective, light-coloured clothing
- Screen living and sleeping areas
- Check your home regularly for potential mosquito breeding areas eg. any uncovered water containers should be emptied regularly.
“If you’re showing any symptoms of Ross River Virus, always visit your GP,” she said.
“If your GP confirms the diagnosis, there’s no specific medical treatment for Ross River Virus.
“However, your GP will be able to provide advice on how to manage the symptoms that develop. Plenty of rest and simple analgesics as required followed by gentle exercise to keep your joints moving is very important.”
