Hunter New England Health has confirmed five cases of the mosquito-borne virus Ross River Fever in the past month in an area that stretches from Maitland to Murrurundi and up to the state’s north-west.
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A further five cases of Barmah Forrest infection were confirmed yet there has been only one confirmed case of Ross River Virus in the Hunter Valley.
As a precaution HNEH has urged people to cover up given recent rain.
Public health physician Dr David Durrheim advised that the best way to prevent infection was to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
“These viruses are spread by mosquitoes that feed on animals that have the infection,” he said. “Good rainfall has contributed to a rise in mosquito breeding.”
Salt-marsh mosquitoes in coastal areas can be carriers of Barmah Forest infection, while fresh-water breeding mosquitoes inland can transmit Ross River Fever.
Dr Durrheim said symptoms for Barmah Forest and Ross River virus infection include fever, skin rash, painful joints and tiredness.
“As there is no specific treatment for these mosquito-borne viruses, prevention depends on avoiding mosquito bites,” he said.
