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Ross River Virus or Ross River Fever also referred to as epidemic polyarthritis, is a mosquito-transmitted Alphavirus. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes vigilax mosquito when they feed on the infected animal blood carrying the virus. The virus cannot be spread directly from person to person. After a person is bitten by a mosquito, the virus can gain entry into the bloodstream where it will replicate and produce an infection. Many epidemics occur where mosquito infestation occurs during breeding season, spreading the virus from one person to another. It is able to cause viraemia.

Symptoms

• Flu like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle pains
• Swollen and aching joints especially at the knees, ankles and fingers
• Non-itchy rash
• Fatigue
• Paresthesia
• Sore throat

Diagnosis

Patients with the infection can be diagnosed based on three particular conditions:

1)They have the symptoms which the RRV normally produces.

2)They are living in or have travelled in an area where it is known that Ross River infections occur.

3)Serological tests have given results which are consistent with the RRV infection.

During the course of the infection blood samples can be taken. If specific antibodies are present in response to the virus, a diagnosis can be made.

Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for Ross River Fever. Patients must "wait out" the virus.
• A doctor can advise on how to reduce discomfort and non steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDS) are often prescribed to manage pain associated with joint swelling and muscular pain.
• Plenty of rest
• Healthy diet

Opinions and experiences on the course of the disease vary from several weeks to several years but patients will generally experience symptoms for 6 weeks to 3 - 6 months. In some recorded cases symptoms have lasted more than a year.

Once someone has had Ross River Virus there is very little chance of contracting it again.

Prevention

Prevention is more effective than cure especially since no vaccine is available. People can take measures to prevent themselves from making contact with the mosquito by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents. A mosquito net can also be used. These will all reduce the likelihood of developing an infection. People should also not come near the regions where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes usually breed in water grounds and if possible these areas should be destroyed. This controls the larval stage. Dawn and dusk are the times when the mosquitoes are more likely to bite and therefore it is important that these measures are put into practice.

References

• http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/ross%20river%20&%20barmah%20forest.htm#laborat
• http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/info/ross_e.html
• http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/toga/2000/e.html
• http://www.health.wa.gov.au/envirohealth/hazards/docs/Ross_River_Virus_Disease_Management_Guide_for_GP.pdf

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• This page was last modified on 10 August 2008, at 10:35.

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