The risk of being infected by mosquitoes in Sydney and other capital cities is very low, but if you live in country areas of NSW and other Eastern States, or are going there on holiday, try and avoid mosquito bites. Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, especially in the morning. Sometimes there's a rash and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. The unusual thing about these illnesses is that although the symptoms can go away, some of them such as aches, pains, and stiffness may continue for weeks or months. Fortunately, symptoms get milder and eventually the person makes a full recovery with no after effects.
Blood tests can tell if someone has either virus.
Antibiotics don't work against the disease, but a doctor can advise on treatment for aches, pains and joint swelling. When a mosquito bites an infected person or animal it takes up the virus. Then when the same mosquito bites another person or animal it passes the virus on. But only mosquitoes can pass the virus on - one person or animal can't infect another. Protect yourself from mosquitoes particularly in late afternoon and dusk by wearing light covered clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, and use insect repellent on exposed skin.