Health Alert
LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS
Ross River virus disease in Australia
Updated April 11, 2017What is the current situation?
The Australian Ministry of Health has reported 3,086 cases of mosquito-borne Ross River virus infection in 2017, most of them occurring in southern states near large population centers. This includes 1,528 cases in the state of Victoria, including the city of Melbourne.
CDC recommends that travelers to Australia protect themselves from Ross River virus by preventing mosquito bites.
What can travelers do to protect themselves?
No vaccine or medicine can prevent Ross River virus disease. The only way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear
- Cover exposed skin
- Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms, or use a bed net.
Learn more about preventing Ross River virus, its symptoms, and what to do if you think you have it on the Ross River virus disease page.
Traveler Information
Clinician Information
- Klapsing P, MacLean D, Glaze S, McClean K, Drebot M, Lanciotti R, Campbell G. Ross River virus disease reemergence, Fiji, 2003–2004. Emerg Infect Dis 2005: 11(4):613-5.
- Harley D, Sleigh A, Ritchie S. Ross River virus transmission, infection, and disease: a cross-disciplinary review. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2001;14:909–32.
- Page created: April 07, 2017
- Page last updated: April 07, 2017
- Page last reviewed: April 07, 2017
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