There’s been an explosion of Ross River Fever cases in the south east corner, with Brisbane accounting for almost half of them, so far this year. It’s so bad, the council has launched an offensive against mosquitos in the area
INNER-city Brisbane is the hot spot of Queensland’s worst Ross River virus outbreak in almost 20 years.
Authorities are virtually powerless to stop the spread of the disease, which was sparked by swarms of mosquitoes flushed out by storms and king tides at the start of the year.
Since January 1, the virus has struck down more than 2835 people – about 500 more than the entire tally last year.
Queensland Health data shows most Ross River victims are aged between 25 and 39 and most live in Brisbane’s Metro South (711) and Metro North (675) regions. More than 350 people have contracted the virus on the Gold Coast and 203 on the Sunshine Coast.
The Cairns region, which is already battling a dengue outbreak, has recorded 193 cases.
Dr Sonya Bennett, senior director for Queensland Health’s Communicable Disease Unit, said the state had not recorded a Ross River outbreak of this magnitude since 1996.
Mosquito Cairns owner Dave Williams cleans leaves from the gutter of a client’s home at Clifton Beach. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: News Corp Australia
The virus is transmitted from animals such as wallabies and possums to humans by mosquitoes that breed in salt marshes, rivers and even containers on urban properties.
“Heavy rains and high tides for much of the year so far have provided a perfect environment for an explosion in these mosquito numbers across the southern part of Queensland,” Dr Bennett said.
“These conditions have only been made worse as a result of the flooding and other associated effects of recent Cyclone Marcia.”
Brisbane City Council officers spray for mozzies at Tingalpa. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: News Corp Australia
Brisbane City Council has carried out a major mosquito control program to kill off as much of the population as possible but entomologists say total eradication of the pest is impossible.
The disease causes symptoms including headaches, fevers, joint or muscle pain, rash and fatigue and patients can be off work for several days.
A vaccine for the virus have been developed but the designer, Queensland virologist Professor John Aaskov, said governments and suppliers were reluctant to take it up because of the costs of producing it.
Dr Bennett said residents could take preventive measures such as using approved repellents, removing breeding spots from homes and putting screens on windows and doors.