Holidaymakers heading to the regions this Easter long weekend have been warned to cover up to avoid mosquito bites as Ross River virus cases surge. More than 1,500 cases have been recorded in Queensland alone, with nine per cent of mosquito traps in the state, mostly in the south-east, testing positive for the virus.
The virus causes swollen and painful joints, fever and rash. It is spread from mosquitoes to humans but cannot be transmitted from person to person. People usually recover a few weeks after infection, but some may experience symptoms for months.
Dr Stephen Conaty from New South Wales Health said warm and wet conditions meant significant numbers of mosquitoes were also expected in NSW over the next several weeks, particularly in the state's north. As of Wednesday, there have been 1,562 recorded cases in Queensland since 1 January and 125 cases in NSW this year. Victoria has recorded eight cases between 1 January and 3 March.
Queensland's chief health officer, Dr John Gerrard, said Ross River virus infections usually begin to rise with rainy and warm weather in December, peaking in February and March. He noted a significant spike in cases every three to four years, with the last big surge in 2020 recording more than 3,000 confirmed cases.
Health authorities recommend applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil, wearing covering clothing, and avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk. Containers holding standing water around homes should be emptied. Associate Professor Francesca Frentiu from Queensland University of Technology said above average temperatures and rainfall had contributed to surges, with rising temperatures due to global heating expected to cause longer mosquito seasons.
