Ross River Virus

Ross River Virus is a viral infection.  It will make you sick, but not kill you.  People infected by Ross River virus may suffer pain and tenderness in muscles and joints, fever, chills, sweating, headache and tiredness.  A rash may also occur on the trunk and limbs for a short time.  So far, anyone with the disease in New Zealand has caught it from overseas.

The symptoms eventually go away and leave few or no after-effects.  Symptoms occur most commonly in adults and the disease is usually milder and runs a shorter course in children.  The only way people can catch Ross River virus is through being bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito.  The virus cannot be spread directly from person to person.

The Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter.  People can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by screening open doors and windows, by using insect sprays or mosquito coils indoors, and by wearing long clothing and insect repellent when outdoors.

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