What are Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus?
Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) are two of the most important mosquito-borne viruses causing human disease in Western Australia. The two viruses have similar life cycles and cause similar symptoms in people.
In nature, RRV and BFV are passed back and forth between animals and mosquitoes. The only way humans can catch the disease is through being bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito. RRV and BFV cannot be caught from direct contact with another person or animal. The incubation period [the time between being bitten (infected) and becoming sick] for both diseases varies from three days to three weeks, but is normally seven to fourteen days. Fewer than one in three people will develop symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It
may be possible for humans to pass the virus back to mosquitoes that bite them but only during the incubation period.
RRV and BFV diseases are notifiable under the Health Act. This means a doctor who diagnoses either virus in a patient is required to inform the Department of Health, so that more can be learnt about the distribution of the viruses, and so that public health action can be taken if appropriate, such as measures to control mosquitoes and the issuing of public warnings.
Where and when can you catch the Viruses?
RRV and BFV can occur anywhere in Western Australia when conditions are warm enough for the viruses to be active and wet enough for the breeding of mosquitoes. In the northern half of WA, it is warm enough for both viruses to be active at any time of the year whenever heavy rainfall or unusually high tides occur. Generally the risk of both viruses is greater during and just after the wet season.
RRV can be active at any time between September and May if sufficient rainfall or unusually high tides occur. BFV is also active during these periods, but evidence indicates that the virus may be active in slightly cooler temperatures when there is sufficient rainfall or high tides.
In the southern half of WA the area of greatest risk is the coastal plain between Mandurah and Busselton during spring and summer. In some years this risk will spread to other areas within the southern half of the state, including parts of the Perth metropolitan area.
People living within 3-5 kilometres of saltmarshes or brackish wetlands (i.e. estuaries and tidal rivers) and freshwater wetlands are at greater risk of contracting RRV and BFV diseases than people living in other areas. People living near such wetlands should therefore take particular precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Ross River and Barmah Forest Virus Diseases
People suffering from RRV disease or BFV disease may develop a wide range of symptoms that are common to both diseases. The symptoms vary from person to person but include painful and/or swollen joints, sore muscles, aching tendons, skin rashes, fever, tiredness, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Less common symptoms include sore eyes, a sore throat, nausea, and tingling in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
The symptoms may be similar to some rheumatic diseases or other viral diseases, so they can only be reliably diagnosed by a specific blood test ordered by a doctor. Pain in the joints is much more common than swelling. The most commonly affected joints are the wrists, knees, ankles, fingers, elbows, shoulders and jaw. Pain usually develops rapidly and may be intense, and more severe in different joints at different times. When they are severe or prolonged, the symptoms can cause emotional distress or depression, and can affect family, social and work relationships. The symptoms in children tend to be milder and the disease runs a shorter course. A rash tends to be more common to BFV
disease and swollen joints are not as common and may not last as long as with RRV disease.
How Long do the Symptoms Last?
Fever, nausea and skin rash usually disappear within the first two weeks of illness. Joint, muscle and tendon pain may last much longer and can be distressing. Often people experience severe tiredness (lethargy) and they may feel depressed.
Symptoms subside eventually and leave few or no after-effects. It is not possible to predict how long an individual person will take to fully recover from either disease. Some adults recover within two to six weeks after the onset of infection. However, many people will still be unwell at three months. Symptoms can persist for up to a year or more in rare cases. People with persistent symptoms are generally not sick all the time.
After three months, many experience days when they are well and as time goes by these periods become more frequent. However, symptoms may recur suddenly and without warning.
Research suggests that BFV disease may last for a shorter time than RRV disease. Research into the long-term effects of both diseases is still being conducted.
Most people who have been infected with RRV or BFV are immune to the same disease in the future, although in rare cases people may experience one or more symptoms after they appear to have recovered. Unfortunately, people who have been infected with RRV are not immune to BFV, and vice versa.
Treating Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus
There is no vaccine to prevent either disease and there is no medical cure once infection is contracted. Medical treatment is aimed at easing joint pains and swelling, and minimising fatigue and lethargy. For some people, simple pain killers, such as aspirin or paracetamol, are sufficient. Others will require stronger medications to ease the inflammation. Gentle exercise, stress management, physiotherapy and plenty of rest (particularly in the early stages of infection) are all important. Some people find hydrotherapy or gentle swimming in a heated pool very beneficial.
Emotional stress and physical fatigue may cause symptoms to worsen or last longer. People with long-term symptoms require emotional support and understanding. They should always keep in mind that they will eventually get well.