Ross River virus
From IDWiki
Background
- Encapsulated single-stranded RNA virus within the genus Alphavirus and family Togaviridae
- First discovered near Ross River in Queensland, Australia
- Endemic in Australia and Papua New Guinea
- Thousands of cases annually in Australia, with occasional larger outbreaks after heavy rains
- Present in other islands in the Western Pacific
- Vector-borne infection carried by mosquitoes, with kangaroos and wallabies being the main animal reservoir
Clinical Manifestations
- Incubation period 7 to 9 days (range 3 to 21 days)
- Mostly asymptomatic
- Symptoms include fever, rash, polyarticular arthritis (particularly knees, ankles, wrists, fingers, and MCP joints), and rash (maculopapular on trunk and limbs)
- Symptoms resolve over weeks, though fatigue can last months
- No known deaths
Management
- Supportive care
