Ross River Fever
Ross River virus is an arbovirus from the genus Alphavirus (Gullan & Cranston 2010). Unlike the viruses previously discussed, Ross River virus is not a fatal virus, however it can still cause undesirable symptoms (NSW Department of Health 2000; and Horwood & Bi 2005).
Facts and Statistics:
· The Ross River fever virus is the most common and widespread arbovirus in Australia.
· In 1979 - 1980, the largest ever outbreak of Ross River virus occurred in the western Pacific, affecting more than 60,000 people.
· In Australia there are approximately 5,000 cases of Ross River fever annually.
(Barber, Denholm & Spelman 2009)
Facts and Statistics:
· The Ross River fever virus is the most common and widespread arbovirus in Australia.
· In 1979 - 1980, the largest ever outbreak of Ross River virus occurred in the western Pacific, affecting more than 60,000 people.
· In Australia there are approximately 5,000 cases of Ross River fever annually.
(Barber, Denholm & Spelman 2009)
How is Ross River Fever Transmitted?
There are over thirty species of mosquito that have been identified as possible vectors of Ross River virus, however the major vectors in Australia are Aedes vigilax (northern coastline), Aedes camptorhynchus (southern coastline), and the freshwater mosquito, Culex annulirostris (widespread throughout Australia except Tasmania) (Barber, Denholm & Spelman 2009). The process of disease transmission from mosquito to host is shown at right (Click image for enlarged view). |
Symptoms:
In the human host, the virus incubation period usually lasts from 7 – 9 days. Studies have shown that in approximately 70 – 90% of cases, Ross River virus infected patience either experienced no symptoms or mild (acute) symptoms (Horwood & Bi 2005). These symptoms can include:
· Joint pain and swelling – fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, knees and elbows
· Lethargy
· Myalgia
· Fever
· Headaches
· Morbidity
· Rash predominately on the limbs and trunk
· Anorexia
· Nausea
(Horwood & Bi 2005; and Barber et al. 2009)
Ross River Fever – Distribution Around the World:
Ross River Virus is predominately found in Australia, however, it can also be found in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (Barber et al. 2009).
In the human host, the virus incubation period usually lasts from 7 – 9 days. Studies have shown that in approximately 70 – 90% of cases, Ross River virus infected patience either experienced no symptoms or mild (acute) symptoms (Horwood & Bi 2005). These symptoms can include:
· Joint pain and swelling – fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, knees and elbows
· Lethargy
· Myalgia
· Fever
· Headaches
· Morbidity
· Rash predominately on the limbs and trunk
· Anorexia
· Nausea
(Horwood & Bi 2005; and Barber et al. 2009)
Ross River Fever – Distribution Around the World:
Ross River Virus is predominately found in Australia, however, it can also be found in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (Barber et al. 2009).