Less common symptoms include sore eyes, sore throat, nausea and tingling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Some individuals will experience reoccurring symptoms, especially joint pain, fatigue, lethargy and depression that may continue for up to 1 year following infection. Symptoms disappear eventually and leave few or no after-effects. Most people who have been exposed to RRV are immune for life. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for Ross River virus infection, but treatment of symptoms can reduce discomfort.
Medical treatment is aimed at easing joint pains and swelling, and minimizing fatigue and lethargy.
As there is no vaccine that protects against the Ross River virus, using personal protective measures to prevent being bitten by an infected mosquito remains the only means to reduce the risk of exposure. Recommendations Health Canada strongly recommends that travellers consult their private physician or a travel medicine practitioner to discuss their individual risk of exposure to Ross River virus infection. If you are travelling to RRV-endemic areas, you should take the following personal precautions to avoid being bitten at any time. Personal measures to avoid mosquitoes Protective clothing Wear clothing that reduces the amount of exposed skin. Screens and bed nets Sleep inside screened areas, under a mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room.