What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Epidemic Polyarthritis caused by Ross River Virus Disease
• Ross River Fever Infection
• RRVD (Ross River Virus Disease)

What is Ross River Virus Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

Basic information on Ross River Virus Disease is as follows:

• Ross River Virus Disease (RRVD), as the name suggests, is a viral disorder that is transmitted by mosquito bites
• It has been reported in the Ross River region of Australia; most of the cases have occurred in Brisbane and in the surrounding regions of Queensland state
• All ages, racial and ethnic groups, and both genders, are equally likely to be infected with RRVD
• In about 75% of the individuals, no signs or symptoms are observed when infected by the virus. In others who are infected, the signs and symptoms may include fever, fatigue, skin rash, joint and muscle pain
• The treatment is based upon the symptoms and includes adequate bed rest and medication. The prognosis of RRVD is excellent, with majority recovering within a couple of weeks

Who gets Ross River Virus Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of all ages may be affected by Ross River Virus Disease; though it is rarely seen in children
• Both males and females are equally likely to get RRVD
• All races and ethnic groups are equally susceptible to the illness

What are the Risk Factors for Ross River Virus Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Ross River Virus Disease include:

• Visiting Queensland area of Australia, especially during the summer months when mosquito breeding is as its peak. The risk of contracting RRVD is lower during the winter months in Australia
• Being 25-44 years of age
• Failure to take anti-mosquito precautions
• Indulging in outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, etc.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ross River Virus Disease? (Etiology)

• Ross River Virus Disease is caused by an alpha virus called Ross River Virus (RRV)
• It is usually transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected mosquito
• Kangaroos and wild rodents can carry the disease as well

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ross River Virus Disease?

Symptoms begin between three to eleven days after being infected. Three in four people do not experience any signs or symptoms when infected by the virus.

The signs and symptoms of RRVD in one in four infected individuals include:

• Fatigue
• Skin rash can be present all over the body, but it is usually present on the chest, stomach, and back
• Joint pain (arthralgia) usually affecting the wrist, knee, and ankle, and sometimes affecting the fingers and toes too
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Swelling of multiple joints can be seen due to fluid accumulation, resulting in joint stiffness
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and armpits
• Pricking sensation on skin in the soles and feet
• Fever may be present, although fever is not a main symptom

How is Ross River Virus Disease Diagnosed?

Ross River Virus Disease is diagnosed using the following methods:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical and travel history (including travel history to the Queensland region in Australia)
• Complete blood count with peripheral smear examination
• Blood test to specifically look for RRVD infection

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ross River Virus Disease?

A complication due to Ross River Virus Disease is that in some cases the signs and symptoms may be prolonged and can last for several months.

How is Ross River Virus Disease Treated?

Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for Ross River Virus Disease. The treatment measures to alleviate the symptoms include:

• Adequate bed rest
• Medication

How can Ross River Virus Disease be Prevented?

Preventive methods for Ross River Virus Disease include taking adequate precaution from mosquito bites. The following measures are useful in controlling transmission of the condition:

• Sleeping under mosquito nets (insecticide-treated mosquito nets) is a highly recommended practice in endemic areas
• Use of mosquito repellent creams. It is also advisable to cover your skin by wearing clothes, such as full-length pants, full-sleeved shirts, etc.
• Maintain good sanitary conditions, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. When possible, eliminate all potential mosquito habitats that contain standing water, where mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs, like water contained in temporary pools, old tires, discarded vessels, birdbaths, pots, rainwater puddles, etc.
• Sprays containing permethrin can be used on clothes; sprays containing DEET can be used on the skin
• Individuals who travel from a non-endemic region to RRVD-endemic region(s) have to ensure that they are aware of the risk factors and basic preventive methods

Exposure to mosquito bites may be reduced if people are aware of biting patterns of the mosquitoes. The RRVD-transmitting mosquitoes are most active during twilight and in the night. Avoiding outdoors to the extent possible or employing preventive actions during peak ‘biting’ hours may reduce risk.

What is the Prognosis of Ross River Virus Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Ross River Virus Disease with treatment is generally excellent, with the majority of infected people recovering from RRVD within a couple of weeks
• Generally, infection with the virus once, confers lifetime immunity to the individual

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ross River Virus Disease:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to be cautious while visiting the city of Brisbane and certain parts of the state of Queensland in Australia. They recommend that the travelers to this region take adequate precaution against mosquito bites.
• According to the Department of Health in Australia, over 6,000 cases of RRVD have been reported so far this year (2015)