About Ross River Virus

Overview

Ross River is a disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. Ross River virus belongs to a group of viruses called alphaviruses. Most cases of Ross River occur in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Cases have also been identified previously in many south Pacific islands including Fiji, American Samoa, New Caledonia, and the Cook Islands.

Symptoms

Many people infected with Ross River virus have no symptoms. For people with symptoms, the time from a mosquito bite to feeling sick (incubation period) is usually 7 to 9 days but can range from 3 to 21 days.

• Symptoms can include swollen or painful joints, fever, rash, and fatigue.
• No deaths from Ross River have been reported.

How it spreads

Ross River virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Rarely, the virus has spread through blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Prevention

People who live in or travel to risk areas should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. No vaccines or medicines are available to prevent Ross River.

Testing and diagnosis

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are sick and have recently traveled to an area where Ross River virus might be present.

• Tell your healthcare provider when and where you traveled.
• Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for Ross River virus or other infections that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

No medicines are available to treat Ross River. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medicines might relieve some symptoms. Some patients might need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids and supportive care for pain, fever, or other related problems.