Thousands of people could become infected with the Ross River virus in the coming weeks, health authorities warn.
The disease is transmitted by mosquito bites and “very high” levels of the virus have already been detected in mosquitoes across the state, Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said.
“It’s a very sudden spike,” he told reporters Monday.
Thousands of people could be infected with the Ross River virus in the coming weeks, health authorities warn (file image)
31 cases have been detected in mosquito traps in the Brisbane, Wide Bay, Bundaberg, Banana, Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Livingstone, Mackay, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions.
That’s more than the total number of positive traps recorded in the summer months of 2019-2020.
In 2020, there were 3,381 cases of Ross River virus in Queensland.
“It is very worrying that we are seeing a large number of detections at this stage of the season,” Dr Gerrard said.
There have been 64 cases reported from the Ross River in Queensland this year and the number is expected to skyrocket.
“It’s probably thousands,” he said.
“We’re talking about a large number of Queenslanders who will receive it.”
The disease is transmitted by mosquito bites and “very high” levels of the virus have already been detected in mosquitoes across Queensland.
Symptoms of Ross River virus include fever, swollen and painful joints, and rash.
There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, so the best way to prevent Ross River virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites.
Dr. Gerrard recommended using insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when many mosquito species are most active, and wearing clothing that covers arms, legs and feet.