Ross River virus found in Georges River’s Deepwater Park due to mosquitos
Residents are being warned about the possible infection of the Ross River virus because of the huge numbers of mosquitoes in the Georges River area.
Residents are being warned about the possible infection of the Ross River virus as a result of the high number of mosquitoes in the Georges River area.
South Western Sydney Local Health District’s Dr Nick Rose said while Ross River infection was relatively rare in south western Sydney, “recent high numbers of mosquitoes around the Georges River means people need to be more cautious”.
The warning issued today (Thursday, February 21) comes after mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park, Milperra, identified those having the Ross River virus, which has no cure.
According to NSW Health, Ross River fever is the byproduct of a virus from the arboviruses family (or arthropod-borne viruses), which is spread by infected mosquitoes.
The number of infections tends to peak in summer and autumn, but the virus is not spread directly from one person to another.
IN OTHER NEWS
Ross River virus is endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea and other islands in the South Pacific.
It is responsible for a type of nonlethal but debilitating tropical disease, Ross River fever.
Symptoms can include tiredness, rash, fever and sore and swollen joints, typically within three weeks of being bitten.
Dr Rose, the Acting Public Health Director at SWSLHD, said symptoms can subside after several days but some experience them for weeks or even months.
“There is no treatment for Ross River … the best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting bitten,” he said.
“People should see their doctor if they experience these symptoms. The Public Health Unit continues to monitor notified cases of Ross River and other mosquito-borne virus infections.
“This determines the number of cases and whether the infection was acquired locally or elsewhere.”
HOW TO AVOID MOZZIE BITES
According to the local health district’s office, simple steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:
■ Avoid being outside, unprotected, when mosquitoes are commonly active at dawn and dusk. Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
■ Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas: repellents containing Diethyl
Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin are best.
■ Don’t use repellents on the skin of children under the age of three months; instead use physical barriers such as netting on prams, cots and play areas for babies.
■ Eradicate mosquito breeding sites around the home, including containers that hold water.
■ Use flyscreens on windows and doors of houses and keep them in good order.
■ When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.
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