Queensland Health is urging the public to take measures to avoid mosquito bites this summer.
Acting Deputy Director-General and Chief Medical Officer, Keith McNeil said summer was the peak season for the Ross River virus.
“Ross River virus infections account for the largest number of human mosquito-borne disease notifications in Queensland,” Professor McNeil said.
“If you’re enjoying the great outdoors this summer to play sport, go for bushwalks, catch up on gardening or even hosting a backyard barbecue, you need to be aware of mosquitoes,” he said.
Professor McNeil said biting could be experienced at any time of day, but some species were most active at dusk and dawn.
“Measures to prevent mosquito bites include regularly applying insect repellent, wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet and using other insecticide-based mosquito control devices where possible,” he said.
“Around your home, you should empty containers holding water at least weekly and ensure fly screens are in good order so mosquitoes can’t enter your home easily.”
The Chief Medical Officer said there was no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Ross River virus, so it was important to take steps to avoid infection as much as possible.
“Symptoms may include fever, swollen and painful joints and rash, which can be managed to ease discomfort,” he said.
“While most people recover in a few weeks, some people experience joint pain and fatigue for months after infection.”
He said Ross River virus rates had fluctuated over the past two years, while malaria and dengue rates declined — in part due to public health measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cases of malaria and dengue, which are generally imported from overseas, decreased over the past two years due to the decline in international arrivals, while cases of Ross River virus increased in 2020,” Professor McNeil said.
