Increase in Ross River virus cases as mosquito population surges

Hundreds of Victorians have been diagnosed with Ross River virus, with recent heavy rains causing the mosquito population to surge.

314 people had been diagnosed with Ross River virus during the past year, a near 50% jump from the previous year.

Mosquito researcher Doctor Cameron Webb has told 3AW Breakfast the disease can affect people differently.

‘We’ve seen an incredibly wet start to spring and a lot of activity of Ross River virus a bit earlier in the season than what we would normally see it.’

Dr Webb tells Justin and Kate, ‘For some people who get infected they get a very mild case of disease, you may just think you’ve got a bit of a flu. But for other people, we’re lucky it’s not fatal, but it can be severely debilitating.’

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