How to Protect Your Family from Ross River Virus in Victoria

MELBOURNE : As Victoria enters the peak holiday season, the Department of Health is urging campers and holidaymakers to stay “mosquito-aware” following recent detections of the Ross River virus in the state’s east.

If you are heading to coastal or inland waterways in Wellington or Gippsland, following these simple steps could prevent an infection that lasts for months.

Health experts suggest a multi-layered approach to prevention:

Wear long, loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes can often bite through tight fabrics like leggings.

Choose repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Avoid pitching tents right at the edge of lakes or rivers where mosquito activity is highest.

Limit outdoor activities during these times, as this is when most mosquito species are most active.

Ensure all flyscreens on caravans and tents are intact and use mosquito coils in outdoor seating areas.

Ross River virus is particularly rampant in Gippsland’s coastal regions. Because there is no vaccine, “preventing the bite is the only cure,” according to health officials.

Epidemics are often linked to heavy rainfall and high tides, both of which have been prevalent in recent weeks. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your summer holiday isn’t cut short by a long-term illness.