Ross River Virus Infection Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne virus native to Australia. RRV is found in all States and Territories of the country, but occurs more often in the northern States and in coastal areas. The Northern Territory has been experiencing early rains followed by humid conditions, resulting in ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The last MVE outbreak in Australia was in 1974.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus from wild birds or small mammals.
By monitoring MVE viral activity in chicken flocks, health authorities can be alerted to the potential for human cases. Risk of acquiring the illness now extends across much of northern Australia. There has been one human case reported of MVE in a child in Queensland. MVE's incubation period is from 5 to 15 days, and symptoms include confusion, headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, lethargy and sometimes coma. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for MVE, and the disease can be fatal.