Ross River virus
Ross river virus (RRV) is an infection that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Symptoms of infection include joint pain, fever and rash. Most people recover in a few weeks, but symptoms can continue for months.
The mosquitoes present in the Northern Territory (NT) that can spread the virus are Culex annulirostris (common banded mosquito), Aedes vigilax (salt marsh mosquito), Aedes normanensis (flood water mosquito) and Aedes notoscriptus (backyard mosquito).
Seasonal risk
Mosquitos are an active part of the Northern Territory (NT) environment.
There is an increase risk of RRV between December and March, with January being a heightened risk due to favourable conditions for mosquitos that can spread RRV.
Get the latest copy of the salt marsh mosquito and midge calendar on the Northern Territory Government website.
Notifiable disease
Ross river virus is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Ross River virus fact sheet PDF (154.2 KB) | NT Health |
| Document | Ross River virus infection – Surveillance case definition | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
| Document | Mosquito-borne diseases fact sheet PDF (181.7 KB) | NT Health |
| Tropical Health Orientation Manual for health practitioners in Northern Australia | Ross River virus | Centre for Remote Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Ross river virus | NT Government |
| Webpage | Protecting yourself against mosquitoes | NT Government |
| Webpage | Ross river virus | Health direct |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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