Ross River virus

Ross River virus (RRV) is a small encapsulated single-strand RNA Alphavirus that is endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other islands in the South Pacific. It is named after the Ross River in Queensland, Australia, where it was first isolated in 1959. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is the cause of Ross River fever, also known as epidemic polyarthritis.

Transmission

The primary vectors for Ross River virus are mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes and Culex species. The virus is maintained in nature through a cycle of transmission involving mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, primarily marsupials. Humans are incidental hosts, meaning they do not contribute to the natural transmission cycle.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Ross River virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, which may include fever, rash, and joint pain. This condition is known as Ross River fever or epidemic polyarthritis. However, many people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms.

Diagnosis of Ross River virus infection is typically based on the presence of clinical symptoms and is confirmed by laboratory testing. This may involve testing for specific antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to the virus.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment for Ross River virus infection. Management of the disease involves relieving symptoms with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention strategies focus on reducing the risk of mosquito bites. This includes the use of insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Epidemiology

Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia. Outbreaks typically occur in the summer and fall, when mosquito populations are highest. The virus has also been reported in several Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands.

See Also

• Arbovirus
• Barmah Forest virus
• Zoonosis