Experts are reminding Sunshine Coast residents to be extra vigilant when it comes to avoiding mosquito bites this summer, especially after the recent rain, with a rise in local Ross River virus cases.
So far this year there have been 389 cases of Ross River virus on the Sunshine Coast, which is 1.7 times higher than the five-year average.
Sunshine Coast Health Public Health Physician Dr Nicolas Smoll said cases can occur year-round but numbers become particularly worse in summer and after rain.
“This year has been a year where we’ve had quite a bit more rain than we normally do which can contribute to large amounts of freshwater being stagnant and lying around and therefore great mosquito breeding grounds,” he said.
Ross River virus is a mosquito borne disease that causes inflammation and pain in multiple joints. Symptoms can include fever with joint pain, swelling and a raised red rash. While most people recover in a few weeks, for some people symptoms persist for months.
There have also been 50 recorded cases of Barmah Forest virus in the region this year, which has similar symptoms to Ross River but usually lasts for a shorter duration.
Since there is no specific drug treatment available for either, Dr Smoll said prevention is key.
“If you’re going to go out and you’re going to put sunscreen on, consider at the same time putting mosquito repellent on and even better we’d love to see long sleeve shirts and long sleeve pants,” he said.
Dr Smoll said the same advice goes for overseas travellers.
“Australia’s been seeing one of the greatest surges of overseas acquired dengue in a very long time,” he said.
“A lot of that reason is there’s been large outbreaks of dengue overseas, in particular in Thailand and Bali, so it’s really important for people who are travelling to wear long sleeves and cover themselves in mosquito repellent.”
There have been 38 recorded cases of Dengue on the Sunshine Coast this year, which is four times higher than the five-year average.
Dr Smoll said the Sunshine Coast doesn’t have the mosquito that transmits Dengue here on the Sunshine Coast, so these cases were acquired overseas.
Anyone with symptoms should see their GP immediately.
Patient Story – Ross River Fever – Alana Huntress
Last December, Alana Huntress first began suffering from symptoms of Ross River virus.
She started feeling extremely tired - especially at the end of the day, noticed swelling around her feet and legs, and had fevers.
“It wasn’t enough to make me really concerned so I just kind of struggled through it for a couple of weeks and then we went on a camping trip quite remotely, so I didn’t have access to any medical services and that’s when my symptoms progressed, and I was feeling really unwell,” Alana said.
When she returned home, she saw her GP and received a diagnosis of Ross River virus.
Alana said while she’d heard of Ross River virus in the past, she didn’t realise just how much it could impact someone’s life.
“The symptoms did go on for a couple of months and I do find even now 12 months later I do have recurring joint pain and fatigue – I think when I’m battling other viruses that I pick up from the kids I get a resurgence in my symptoms.”
Alana suspects she was bitten at home, near Mount Coolum, and wants to raise awareness about how easy it is to protect yourself.
“I’m definitely much more on the ball now of keeping myself and my family protected from mosquitos and being really vigilant around that dusk and dawn time when they’re really active – I’ve also installed a series of fly screens throughout my home as well as just another layer of protection.”