AS he zipped along the mountain bike paths in Nerang State Forest, Chris O’Connor was in his element.
THE keen sportsman was going so fast he could feel the mosquitoes bouncing off his face as he zoomed past swampy areas in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Two days later, he couldn’t even walk. “Everything swelled – there was no walking for me,” says the fit 29-year-old of his unpleasant brush with Ross River virus. There’s no known cure, and symptoms include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches. Most people recover within two weeks, but it can take up to six to be back to full health. Mr O’Connor’s case is one of a flood recorded in the Gold Coast region this year alone. So far there have been 98 cases, compared to an average of just seven cases each year between 2010 and 2014. And authorities warn it’s not going to get better. Gold Coast Health Director of Infectious Diseases Dr John Gerrard says the outbreak is likely to continue as the wet season rolls on, leading to hundreds, if not thousands, of new cases. “This is certainly the worst epidemic I’ve seen on the Gold Coast,” he said. “It’s imperative that people aim to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors (and also) ensure pools of water do not lie stagnant around their properties.” He said complacency was also a factor, given the ubiquitous nature of the insects in Australia. “Gold Coasters tend to be a bit macho about getting bitten by mosquitoes,” he said. For his part, Mr O’Connor won’t be risking any more mosquito-borne diseases. “Insect repellent – it’s as simple as that,” he said.