Ross River Virus in Australia (New South Wales)

16 Nov 2018

Media quoting New South Wales (NSW) Health report that there were 9 official notifications of Ross River virus in NSW between 28 Oct-3 Nov (2018) and 11 in the previous week. 512 cases have been reported so far this year across NSW compared with a total of 1592 during 2017, and 595 in 2016.

Advice for Travellers

Ross River virus (RRV) is uncommon in travellers and causes symptoms that include rash, fever, joint and muscle pains.

The risk is greatest in those planning outdoor activities (particularly camping) in rural areas of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific Islands.

• Travellers should be aware of the presence of RRV at their travel destination and practice good insect bite avoidance.
• Warning notices in the media, during outbreaks and in high-risk areas, are given in Australia and should be heeded by travellers.

No vaccine is available for RRV and there is no specific treatment.