Moira Shire Council is warning Ross River virus can be transmitted by infected female mosquitoes, which generally pick up the virus when feeding on the blood of infected animals however, not all mosquitoes carry the disease with most just a nuisance.
The potentially debilitating disease can cause joint swelling and pain, fatigue and muscle aches which can persist for many months. A rash and fever may also develop. It takes three to nine days for symptoms of Ross River virus disease to occur after exposure, and occasionally up to 21 days.
Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viruses including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus typically occur when local conditions of rainfall, tides and temperature promote mosquito breeding.
The disease occurs throughout most regions of Australia particularly around inland waterways like the Murray River and through coastal regions.
The last significant outbreak of Ross River virus in the region occurred in 2017 which coincided with a La Nina weather event which brought heavy rainfall over the summer months.
Yarrawonga Medical Clinic Practice Manager Catherine Dowling said the local clinic had not received any cases this year but residents need to be aware of the risk.
“We have not received any cases as yet but have had small but significant numbers in previous years,” Ms Dowling said.
In late September this year, the Bureau of Meteorology declared a ‘moderate’ La Nina event was officially underway increasing the likelihood of above average rainfall.
Recently, cases of the mosquito-borne disease were detected in the Gippsland Lakes area around Ninety Mile Beach and in Geelong prompting the Victorian Government to issue an alert.
Just last week, the virus was detected in mosquitoes in the Mildura area with recent weather and water conditions in Mildura favourable to mosquito biting and breeding.
Locally, while rainfall over spring has been above average, Ross River virus case numbers are still relatively low.
Presently in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Infectious Diseases Manager April Roberts-Witteveen said there were 49 notified cases of Ross River fever to date in 2020. For the same period in 2019, there were 48 cases notified.
“People who are in contact with known mosquito habitats and who live in warm, humid climates near rivers and lakes and other areas with water will be most at risk of infection. It is particularly important for people enjoying outdoor activities, such as camping or fishing, in areas with high mosquito numbers take precautions to avoid being bitten,” Ms Roberts-Witteveen said.
“Cases are more common in rural, coastal and bushland areas than in metropolitan areas. This summer, there may be an increase in the number of areas which are flooded or swampy, with higher than usual rainfall predicted. Outbreaks can occur when local conditions of rainfall, tides and temperature promote mosquito breeding.”
In Victoria, a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) spokesperson urged residents to be cautious and do what they can to prevent getting the disease.
“Inland weather conditions so far this summer have been relatively dry, however should heavy rainfall or flooding occur, this could lead to ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors to Victoria can protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases by regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.”
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, there are greater opportunities to travel around Victoria and enjoy increased outdoor activity. Taking measures to avoid mosquito bites is therefore a critical step to protect against diseases.
Therefore, DHHS advises the public to follow the subsequent simple steps:
Cover up as much as possible when outside with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear
Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin. Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus also provide adequate protection
Use physical barriers such as netting on prams, cots and play areas for babies. Repellents should not be used on the skin of children under the age of three months
Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area
Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens
Remove and prevent mosquito breeding sites around the home by emptying containers that hold water.
For further information visit https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/healthalerts/warning-mosquitoes-ross-river-virus-2020.
