Beaudesert residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites as a record-breaking number of mosquito samples from this past summer season have detected the Ross River virus, following the high number of Ross River virus cases among Queenslanders.
Queensland Health regularly tests mosquito samples for Ross River virus infection. Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said this past summer season, a record number of 116 samples tested positive to the virus.
“This is the highest number of tests returning a positive result for the virus in a single season since the surveillance program started in 2016,” Dr McDougall said in a statement.
Dr McDougall warned of an increase in the risk of human cases considering the high number of positive samples. Symptoms of Ross River virus may include fever, swollen and painful joints and rash. Treatment is supportive and involves managing the symptoms that develop. While most people recover in a few weeks, some people experience joint pain and fatigue for months after infection. The virus is spread from infected mosquitoes to humans, but it doesn’t spread from person to person.
Fifty percent of cases have been recorded in South-East Queensland this year. Regions with the largest increases in cases compared to previous years were Sunshine Coast, Metro North, Metro South, Gold Coast and Wide Bay.
Dr McDougall reminded Queenslanders to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
“There’s no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Ross River virus, so prevention is key” Dr McDougall warned.
