Wattle Grove mother warns parents to be careful after daughter develops Ross River fever

A southwest Sydney mother has warned other parents to protect their children from mosquitoes after her daughter contracted Ross River fever. It comes as residents reported large infestations of mosquitoes in east Liverpool.

A southwest Sydney mother has warned residents to be careful after her daughter developed Ross River fever.

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A southwest Sydney mother has warned other parents to protect their children from mosquitoes after her daughter developed Ross River fever.

Wendy Freeman-Pollitt yesterday took to Facebook, revealing her 11-year-old daughter Charlotte had tested positive for the infection and urging residents in Wattle Grove and Holsworthy to be careful.

The social media post sparked hundreds of comments, with many residents saying they had resorted to using mosquito spray every time they left the house and regularly applying repellent to protect themselves.

Ross River fever is caused by a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pains, with prevention relying on avoiding mosquito bites. The virus is not spread directly from one person to another.

The local health district recently issued a warning about increased mosquito breeding at Deepwater Park in Milperra as some of them were found to carry the Ross River virus. Picture: Robert Pozo

Ms Freeman-Pollitt said her daughter had been covered in mosquito bites — including 18 on one arm — despite using repellants, and had presented with symptoms similar to those with Ross River fever.

“She had been unwell for at least a week with unexplained fevers. She was sort of really hot, really cold ... she was very lethargic,” she said.

A blood test confirmed Charlotte had Ross River infection, with a second blood test due soon.

Ms Freeman-Pollitt said her second daughter Annabelle, 8, was also being tested after experiencing similar symptoms.

“We’re taking it day by day, cutting down on sporting activities. It’s a long process to get over. It’s not an easy one.”

The majority of people recover completely in a few weeks, although others may experience symptoms such as joint pain and tiredness for many months.

Ms Freeman-Pollitt said there were swarms of mosquitoes in the area and they seemed immune to repellant and sprays.

“As soon as you open your door you’re attacked immediately,” she said.

Residents have reported high numbers of mosquitoes in east Liverpool.

Residents have been reporting an infestation of mosquitoes in east Liverpool suburbs including Wattle Grove, Holsworthy, Moorebank and Chipping Norton.

In February, the South Western Sydney Local Health District issued a health alert, warning residents of “recent high numbers of mosquitoes around the Georges River”.

The warning came after mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park in Milperra identified those having the Ross River virus.

The peak period for infections tends to be in summer and autumn.

Ross River virus is endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea and other islands in the South Pacific.