Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) are the most common mosquito-borne viruses causing human disease in Western Australia (WA).
The diseases caused by infection with these viruses are known as RRV disease and BFV disease. The two viruses have similar life cycles and cause similar symptoms in people.
In nature, RRV and BFV are passed back and forth between animals and mosquitoes. The only way humans can catch the disease is by being bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito.
Where do RRV and BFV diseases occur in WA?
RRV and BFV can occur anywhere in WA when conditions are warm enough for the viruses to be active and wet enough for the breeding of mosquitoes.
- In the northern half of WA, it is warm enough at any time of the year, whenever heavy rainfall or unusually high tides occur. Generally the risk is greater during and just after the wet season.
- In the southern half of WA the area of greatest risk for RRV and BFV disease is the coastal plain between Mandurah and Busselton during spring and summer. In some years, this risk can extend to other areas within the southern half of the state, including Perth.
- In the south of WA, RRV and BFV can be active between September and May if sufficient rainfall or unusually high tides occur. The period of activity is slightly shorter in the colder areas along the south coast and slightly longer in the warmer areas around Geraldton and Kalbarri.
People living, camping or recreating within 3-5 km of saltmarshes, estuaries, tidal rivers and freshwater wetlands are at a greater risk of RRV and BFV infection than people living further away.
What are the symptoms of RRV and BFV diseases?
The incubation period (the time between being bitten by an infected mosquito and becoming sick) for RRV and BFV diseases varies from 3 to 21 days, but is normally 7 to 14 days. During the incubation period, it may be possible for humans to pass the virus back to mosquitoes that bite them.
RRV and BFV cause symptoms in fewer than 1 in 3 people bitten by an infective mosquito.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but include:
- painful and/or swollen joints
- sore muscles
- aching tendons
- skin rashes
- fever
- tiredness
- headaches
- swollen lymph nodes.
Less common symptoms include:
- sore eyes
- sore throat
- nausea
- tingling in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
Fever, nausea and skin rashes usually disappear within the first 2 weeks of illness. Joint, muscle and tendon pain may last much longer and can be distressing. People also often experience severe tiredness. Severe symptoms or those that last a long time can cause emotional distress or depression and affect family, social and work relationships. Symptoms eventually lessen with few or no long-term effects.
It is not possible to predict how long a person will take to fully recover from either disease. Some adults recover within 2 to 6 weeks of being infected, while others will still be unwell after 3 months. In rare cases, symptoms can persist for up to a year or more.
Because the symptoms may be similar to some rheumatic diseases or other viral diseases, a specific blood test organised by a doctor is the only reliable method of diagnosis.
Are treatments available for RRV and BFV diseases?
There are no vaccines or cures for RRV disease or BFV disease; medical treatment is aimed at easing symptoms.
A doctor who diagnoses one of these diseases in a patient is required under the Health Act to notify the Department of Health. This information is increasing our knowledge about the distribution of these viruses and the environmental triggers for virus outbreaks. It also allows public health action to be taken, such as mosquito control measures or the issuing of health warnings.
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More information
Medical Entomology
Postal address: PO BOX 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849
Street Address: 1A, Brockway Road, Claremont, WA 6010
Phone: (08) 9285 5500
Email:
medical.entomology@health.wa.gov.au
Last reviewed: 07-07-2021