Ross river virus warning

Key messages Residents and visitors to Victoria are being warned to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. These viruses can cause symptoms including joint pain and stiffness, headache, fever, rash and fatigue.

The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites - protective measures include regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.

A range of information relating to protecting against mosquito bites is available on the Beat the Bite campaign page on the Better Health Channel. Contact the Chief Health Officer. Share this page Twitter , opens a new window Facebook , opens a new window LinkedIn , opens a new window.

Was this page helpful? Yes No. Tell me your email. But there were other strange symptoms before then, that he only pieced together after his diagnosis. Mr Guy said he went to a GP who told him he had a normal virus. He then got a second opinion at another GP who ordered a blood test, which confirmed it was Ross River. Mr Guy would later learn there was a local outbreak of Ross River virus.

He was the first of half a dozen people in his area to be diagnosed with the illness. The effects of Ross River virus are varied. Many infected with the disease have no symptoms and may never even know they have it; others recover quickly. However, experts estimate somewhere between per cent of people with Ross River will go on to have chronic symptoms.

For Mr Guy, the effects have been debilitating. Date issued: 23 Dec Issued to: Health professionals and the Victorian community residing in or travelling to central Victoria. Key messages Residents and visitors in the central areas of Victoria are being warned to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus. These viruses can cause symptoms including joint pain and stiffness, headache, fever, rash and fatigue.

The best protection from Ross River virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. Protective measures include regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing long, loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring accommodation, including tents, are properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.

A range of information relating to ways to protect against mosquito bites is available on the Beat the Bite campaign page on the Better Health Channel. Share this page Twitter , opens a new window Facebook , opens a new window LinkedIn , opens a new window. Was this page helpful? A red alert level warning has been issued for Hume Dam, following algal testing revealing potentially toxic blue-green algae in the area.

People are advised to not undertake recreational activity or drink untreated water while a red alert is in effect. Mussels and crayfish caught in algal-bloom-affected water may also be affected and should not be eaten while a red alert is in place.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally and usually appears as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water. Contact with blue-green algae can also pose a threat to livestock and pets.