Select Page

Home  ›  Ross River Virus

Ross River Virus

What is it?

Ross River fever is a viral infection, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. (1) It is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, and is also prevalent in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. (1)

Outbreaks of Ross River virus can occur in areas where mosquitoes breed, with the highest risks in warm, humid environments close to water sources. (1) Recent outbreaks have been reported in Victoria and South Australia. Notable, during 2025 the number of reported cases in South Australia were four times higher than in 2024. (2, 3)

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ross River virus are wide-ranging and can vary in severity from no symptoms, mild illness, to serious, long-lasting symptoms. (1). Many people experience painful joints and muscle pain, most commonly affecting the wrists, ankles and knees. (1) Other symptoms include fever and chills, headache, joint pain and swelling, fatigue and a rash. (1)

The incubation period typically ranges from 3 to 21 days following a mosquito bite, with symptoms usually lasting around 7 to 9 days. (1) However, some people may experience painful joints and tiredness for 3 to 6 months after diagnosis. (1)

How is it transmitted?

Ross River virus spreads when people or animals infected with the virus are bitten by a mosquito that then bites another person. While many animals can be infected, marsupials such as kangaroos and wallabies are the main hosts. (3, 4) Ross River virus does not spread from person-to-person. (4, 5)

At risk groups?

People at highest risk of infection are those who live and work in humid climates, near bodies of water and who spend a lot of time outdoors, including for work, hiking, gardening or camping. (4, 5) Adults are also more likely to develop symptoms than children. (5)

Prevention?

There are no vaccinations or antiviral medications available for Ross River virus, and treatment focuses on symptom management and rest. (1)

Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection. Recommended strategies include covering up, wearing light coloured, loose, long clothing and covered footwear, and using mosquito repellents. (1-3) Additional measures include staying indoors during periods where mosquitoes are most active, particularly at dawn and dusk, installing flyscreens on doors and windows, and removing standing water from around the home to limit mosquito breeding. (1)

Key messages:

  • Ross Rover virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia.
  • Preventing mosquito bites is the pest protection.

References

  1. Health direct. Ross River virus infection: Healthdirect Australia Limited, ; 2025 [updated June 2025. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ross-river-virus.
  2. Walters A. Ross River Virus cases quadruple in South Australia in 2025 [Webpage]. ABC News; 2026 [cited 2026 27 Jan]. Available from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-24/ross-river-virus-cases-quadruple-in-south-australia-in-2025/106206394.
  3. Victorian Department of Health. Increased risk of Ross River virus Melbourne: Victorian Department of Health; 2025 [updated 23/12/2025. Available from: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/media-releases/increased-risk-of-ross-river-virus-0.
  4. NSW Health. Ross River virus fact sheet Sydney: NSW Government; 2022 [updated 21 November 2022. Infectious diseases fact sheet]. Available from: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ross-river-fever.aspx.
  5. Australian Centre for Disease Control. Ross River virus infection: CDC; 2025 [updated 24 December 2025. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/ross-river-virus-infection.

 

PUBLISHED 30 JANUARY 2026