Epidemic Polyarthritis most commonly referred as Ross River Fever is a mosquito borne alphavirus that is contracted via a viral infection from the bite of an affected mosquito. RRV is the most common widespread arboviral disease across Australia and only occurs in Australia. RRV occurs in all states and territories of Australia and is most active during January and March.
The best breeding ground for affected mosquitos is in a warm, humid climate where water lies, mosquitos thrive in these conditions. Although the disease can be transmitted via blood, this virus cannot be transferred through human contact. The virus is most common in rural areas and uncommon in high trafficked areas such as large cities and towns. RRV can be diagnosed by a doctor who will examine the patient with a blood test. It is best to get the blood test in the early stages of the virus, where they take another blood test two weeks later to confirm the virus. They diagnose the virus …show more content…
Scientist suspect that the virus was first developed through an affected wallaby or kangaroo where the virus is transmitted to the mosquito who feeds off the roo or wallaby, where transferred to the mosquito via blood. This cycle continues when the affected mosquito feeds off a human where the virus is transmitted via blood when drawing blood from the human. Although when being bitten by a mosquito, not all are affected with the virus, and are less likely to catch the disease. People are most likely to be affected by a mosquito when outdoors, on a humid night or day close to water, trees and shrubs where there breeding ground is most common. People are more likely prone to being bitten by a mosquito when out camping. It is advised to prevent yourself from being bitten by wearing insect repellent and the minimal bare skin exposed to allow mosquitos to