Ross River Virus

Symptoms

Possible symptoms of the disease include:

  • Fever, chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue, weakness, feeling of sickness
  • Bilateral joint pain and joint inflammation with redness and swelling (monoarthritis to polyarthritis). They often affect the peripheral joints of the hands, feet and knees.
  • Maculopapular rash, especially on the trunk and extremities.

Joint symptoms can last for weeks to months. The infection is endemic to Australia and New Guinea. It is most commonly seen in summer and autumn. Thousands of cases are reported in Australia each year.

Causes

The disease is a viral infection caused by Ross River virus (RRV). The single-stranded RNA arbovirus belongs to the genus Alphavirus and the family Togavirus. Ross River virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes of the genus and . Its reservoir includes marsupials such as the kangaroos and wallabies. In local outbreaks, human-to-human transmission may occur via mosquitoes. Direct transmission, on the other hand, is not observed. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made under medical care based on patient history (e.g., travel to Australia), clinical symptoms, and laboratory methods, typically antibody detection. The virus itself can only be detected at a very early stage. Other viral infections and diseases can cause similar symptoms.

Prevention

Good prevention of mosquito bites is important (see there), for example with repellents, mosquito nets and appropriate clothing. A vaccine is currently not available (as of 5/2019).

Drug treatment

For sympatomatic treatment, pain relievers such as the analgesic and anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken. Topical preparations such as ointments and creams can also be tried. The literature also discusses the administration of anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, etanercept, and glucocorticoids.

Nonpharmacologic treatment

Patients may benefit from nonpharmacologic measures such as hydrotherapy, physical therapy, or massage.