ROSS RIVER BITES HARD

THE Surf Coast has already recorded its worst-ever tally for debilitating mosquitoborne Ross River virus this year — in less than four months.

It comes after Greater Geelong also racked up its worst year on record for the virus in less than two months.

The Surf Coast has had 93 cases so far this year.

The municipality has reached the same number of cases as for 2017, which had the highest number of annual cases in Victorian Health Department data stretching back to 1991.

Greater Geelong has recorded 108 cases so far this year, surpassing its previous worst year on record of 66 cases, also in 2017.

But doctors say cases of the virus, which can cause joint swelling and pain, fatigue and muscle aches, have slowed in recent weeks with cooler weather easing conditions.

Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Dr Anne Stephenson said anecdotal evidence suggested the number of new cases on the Surf Coast had reduced significantly in recent weeks.

“While most people recover after six weeks, some people are still experiencing symptoms which affect their health and wellbeing,” she said.

“The incidence of Ross River virus is directly related to conditions conducive to mosquitoes, with outbreaks occurring all around Australia between January and April.

“The reduced number of local infections is largely due to cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall.” Dr Stephenson said even though case numbers were concentrated in Anglesea and had reduced, the entire Surf Coast area still posed a risk of Ross River virus and people should still take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

“This can be done by making sure window and door screens are intact, long-sleeved clothing is worn at dawn and dusk, mosquito repellent is applied to exposed areas of your body and any still or stagnant water around the house is removed,” she said.

Mosquito trapping took place in 13 locations this summer in the Geelong and Surf Coast region.

Ross River virus was detected in some of the mosquitoes in Anglesea, but not in the other locations. The last detection was in early-mid January.

Peak mosquito activity occurred around December 2020, and mosquito numbers have been on the decline since.

Mosquito surveillance in the Geelong and Surf Coast areas continued through to the end of March.

A Health Department spokesman said numbers of mosquitoes naturally fluctuated based on the local environment, weather and seasons.

“Most people with Ross River virus disease recover completely within three to six months,” he said.

Barwon Health Public Health Unit director Professor Eugene Athan said patients with Ross River virus were not often treated in a hospital setting, with fewer than five cases seen at University Hospital Geelong this year.

Most cases are seen by GPs in the community.