The West Australian health department has warned locals as well as visitors to be extra careful in avoiding mosquito bites in view of a hike in Ross River virus (RRV) activity. The risk of Ross River fever infection is said to be greatest in ‘South West of WA, and along the coastal Midwest and Gascoyne regions, from Jurien Bay to Denham’. Australia-wide, RRF notifications for the year to date have been highest in NSW (3,293 cases) and Qld (1,922 cases), according to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
Advice for travellers
Cases of Ross River fever occur throughout Australia, including more temperate southern states. Travellers visiting areas of Australia affected by recent flooding or continuing rain should take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Use a personal effective insect effective ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) when outdoors and wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing – especially at dawn and dusk, the times of day when RRV-carrying insects are most active. More on RRV in Western Australia
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.