SA Faces Mosquito Surge After Wet Weekend, Raising Disease Fears
#SouthAustralia #MosquitoAlert #RossRiverVirus #PublicHealth #AusNews #SAHealth
thedailyperspective.org/article/2026-03-02-sa-fa...
Beware of Ross River #virus as the #temperature warms ...
| #RossRiverVirus | #Mosquito | #outbreaks | #Australia | Via @sciencex.bsky.social
#OneHealthResearch 🚨
New scoping review on climate & arboviruses in Australia:
📊 30 studies analysed
🌏 Inland regions included
🌡️ Temperature–infection link varied by region
👉 Highlights need to enhance human & 🦟 vector surveillance
#RossRiverVirus #BarmahForestvirus
Image: QIMR Berghofer.
Dr Proboste from @HEALenviron Biosecurity & Emerging Infections theme found COVID-19 lockdowns may have unexpectedly affected Brisbane’s seasonal #RossRiverVirus outbreak.
Human movement is a key factor in disease dynamics and help future #RRVprevention solutions.
healnetwork.org.au/heal-observa...
Culex annulirostris. Copyright QIMR Berghofer
New research! 🧪Did the 2020 lockdown change Ross River virus spread in Brisbane? 🤔 Our study suggests it did!
The peak in cases happened later and people spent more time in green spaces, perhaps increasing mosquito exposure🦟🌳
Full paper: doi.org/10.1093/infd...
#RossRiverVirus #Brisbane #COVID19
Incurable virus set to explode as mozzies swarm half the state A potential explosion of Queenslanders becoming infected with a serious mosquito-borne disease is on the horizon, health authorities have warned. Madura McCormack February 12, 2024 - 5:00AM A potential explosion of Queenslanders becoming infected with a serious mosquito-borne disease is on the horizon, health authorities have warned, with people being told to protect themselves from getting bitten.
Chief health officer John Gerrard revealed there had been a very high number of Ross River virus detections in mosquitoes across nine different council areas stretching from Mackay to South East Queensland. And the number of infected mosquitoes — at 31 positive traps of the 700 tested across the state — is higher than what was detected during the horror 2019-20 summer which ultimately led to a whopping 3381 Ross River infections in 2020. There were 699 cases of Ross River virus in 2023. As of the end of January this year 64 people have been infected. There is no cure nor vaccine for Ross River virus, and while most people recover in a few weeks some people experience joint pain and fatigue months after infection. “It’s concerning we are seeing such a high number of Ross River virus detections in mosquito populations through our surveillance program this early in the typical season, especially over such a widespread area. This is an indicator of elevated virus activity,” Dr Gerrard said
“Biting can be experienced at any time of day, but some species are most active at dusk and dawn. “It’s best to avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.” Measures to prevent mosquito bites include regularly applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet. Containers containing water or other sources of standing water should be removed where possible at least weekly. People should also ensure flyscreens are in good order so mosquitoes can’t enter homes easily. Symptoms of Ross River virus may include fever, swollen and painful joints and rash. Ross River virus infections account for the largest number of human mosquito-borne disease infections in Queensland.
Queensland: Incurable virus set to explode as mozzies swarm half the state. By Madura McCormack
“There’s no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Ross River virus, so prevention is key,” Dr John Gerrard said
@qldhealth #RossRiverVirus
www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensl...