Disease Forms - Ross River

Question 1

What is the Ross River Virus?

Answer 1

An alphavirus that consists of single-stranded RNA.

Endemic to Australia; present in the south-west region of WA - (2017 outbreak).

Question 2

How is the disease transmitted?

Answer 2

The vector of female mosquitos. Usually from marsupials (Wallabies, kangaroos) - natural reservoir of the virus - asymptomatic.
Transmission increase in rainfall - more breeding grounds for mosquitos (still water).

Question 3

Outline its lifecycle.

Answer 3

• Female mosquito feeds of infected marsupial.
• Viruses find receptors in the epithelial cells - attaching/replicating.
• New viruses emerge and migrate to the salivary glands.
• Female vector bites a human.
• The virus finds receptors in skeletal muscle cells - attaching/replicating.
• New viruses emerge from the cell - killing it & entering bloodstream (symptoms emerge).

Question 4

Outline particular management strategies.

Answer 4

Prevent risk of a bite:
- protective gear (clothing, repellant)
Seek a blood test for diagnosis - if posistive, notify the department of health to issue a public health warning in certain areas.
Medical treatments to reduce symptoms

Question 5

Outline the symptoms of the virus.

Answer 5

After replicating in muscle cells from bloodstream entrance;

• rash
• painful/swollen joints
• fatigue