At least 60 cases of Ross River virus infection have been reported in southern Australia on the West Coast and Kangaroo Island, and near Lake Albert. Additional cases have been reported in the Northern Territory in the Katherine, Barkly and Gove regions. Ross River virus is an arbovirus that is transmitted to man by mosquitoes. It is found in Australia, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and several South Pacific Islands. A maculopapular rash can occur, usually on the trunk or limbs.
Treatment is supportive.
No late sequelae have been reported, but symptoms frequently continue for months, and in some cases rheumatic symptoms continue one year or longer. ProMED , January 17, 2001. WHO Disease Outbreaks Reported, January 17, 2001. Hantavirus in Bolivia and Canada Ref. ProMED, January 1, 2001.