Explosion of Ross River virus prompts mosquito warning for Victoria

[gary]

Originally Posted by Julia Medew, The Age

Hundreds of Victorians have been diagnosed with Ross River virus after heavy rains probably caused mosquito populations to surge, Victoria's Chief Health Officer says.

A spate of Ross River virus cases has prompted a warning for Victorians to take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites, particularly outside of Melbourne where the insects are more likely to be carrying the disease.

Professor Charles Guest said about 314 people had been diagnosed with Ross River virus in Victoria during the year to December 29 – a nearly 50 per cent jump from the previous year.

And this was likely an under-estimate, he said, because some people may not be diagnosed, with their case reported to the health department.
Professor Guest said Ross River virus had also been detected in mosquitoes around Mildura, Moira and Barmah Forest in the north of Victoria, an early indication of increased risk for people this summer.

While Ross River virus is rare in Melbourne, he said people were at risk in all parts of the state, particularly if they are spending time around water where mosquitoes are more prevalent.

"The best protection from these diseases is to avoid mosquito bites – protective measures include regularly using mosquito repellent containing picaridin​ or DEET, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside and ensuring accommodation is mosquito proof," Professor Guest said in a health warning.

Article here -
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ex...04-gtlyn8.html

[casstony]

While it's always good to have publicity about mosquito borne diseases, the article isn't particularly accurate according to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, which shows relatively lower numbers of infections reported nationally and for Victoria last year.
http://www9.health.gov.au/cda/source/rpt_4.cfm

Regardless, mosquitos in all parts of Australia can transmit debilitating diseases and we should always be cautious. Thousands of Australians suffer new infections every year.

[Wavytone]

It's a slow news week and the media are having to cook up stories to justify their existence.

In Sydney this week the only news is the usual spate of drownings among those who are either too plastered to notice or from certain unmentionable ethnic backgrounds, and which aging celebrity is dating someone inappropriate or has popped their clogs.

Also look more closely at the extremes in the numbers and what year. For example in Vic only 15 reported in 2005 yet 1300 in 2011. There's something odd about these figures statistically that suggests they aren't representative of the real infection rate.

[Boozlefoot]

I had Ross River in the late 80's (Tamworth area, but also had a work trip to Mackay region shortly before), and wouldn't wish it on anybody. Takes ages to get over it, as in years. The kids used to say "Dad's having another tired attack" and that's exactly what it is. ( Unlike the current bout of aperture fever which operates in cycles similar to my pay issue times.)