Officials with New South Wales Health (NSW Health) are warning residents of Sydney to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as mosquito trapping at Deepwater Park, Bankstown and Sydney Olympic Park has identified mosquitoes carrying Ross River virus.

Image/OpenClipart-Vectors
Image/OpenClipart-Vectors

It is particularly important for people enjoying outdoor activities, such as camping or fishing, in areas with high mosquito numbers take precautions to avoid being bitten.

NSW Health Director of Environmental Health Dr Richard Broome said while Ross River infection was relatively rare in Sydney, high numbers of mosquitoes at this time of year mean people should be cautious.Ross River virus disease (RRVD) is a mosquito borne virus. About 55%–75% of people who are infected do not feel sick, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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For those who do feel sick, symptoms of RRVD include joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, fever, tiredness, and rash. Most patients recover within a few weeks, but some people experience joint pain, joint stiffness or tiredness for many months.

RRVD infection cannot be spread from person to person.  It is found throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea, parts of Indonesia and the western Pacific Islands.