Western Australia’s health authorities have issued a warning following the detection of the Ross River virus (RRV) in mosquitoes within the South West region. This finding marks the first confirmation of the virus for the current season, prompting WA Health to advise residents and visitors to take precautions against mosquito bites.
The virus was identified through the Department of Health’s mosquito surveillance program, which serves as an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases. Managing Scientist Dr Andrew Jardine highlighted the program’s importance in keeping the community informed about potential health risks. He stated, “The alerts advise people of the increased risk of disease, and they can take appropriate protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
Health Risks and Precautions
According to Dr Jardine, Ross River virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus in Western Australia, and its symptoms can be debilitating. Since July, there have been 24 notifications of RRV reported across the state, with six cases originating from the South West region. Symptoms of RRV include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, and headaches, with some individuals experiencing symptoms lasting for weeks to months.
In addition to RRV, the Barmah Forest virus (BFV) has also been detected in mosquitoes from the same area. However, no human cases of BFV have been reported in the South West since May. Dr Jardine emphasized the absence of a vaccine, cure, or specific treatment for both RRV and BFV, making it essential for individuals to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.
Preventive Measures and Resources
WA Health urges the public to ensure their homes are mosquito-proof and to wear appropriate clothing and effective insect repellent when outdoors. Information on avoiding mosquito bites is available through HealthyWA, which provides guidelines such as:
- Cover up: Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
- Repel: Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Clean up: Eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding.
As the mosquito-borne virus season progresses, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage residents to stay informed about any updates or alerts related to mosquito activity in their areas.
