Riverina health officials have issued a warning after recording 10 new cases of Ross River virus in the past week.
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Eighteen people in the region have been diagnosed with the disease between January 1 and January 22.
The number of confirmed cases has more than doubled in the past week, with eight cases detected between January 1 and January 14.
A Murrumbidgee Local Health District spokeswoman said there were "less than five notified cases" recorded in the same period in 2020.
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Ross River fever is caused by infection with Ross River virus, one of a group of viruses called arboviruses, which are spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The cases have so far been detected in residents of the Deniliquin, Griffith, Carathool, Leeton, Narrandera, Albury, and Edward River local government areas.
MLHD senior environmental health officer Tony Burns said it was possible the virus could spread to Wagga.
"People do travel. It only takes someone to travel to Leeton or Griffith and then back to Wagga to transport the virus," he said. "People don't need to panic, but they need to take more precautions to avoid mosquito bites."
These precautions include covering up as much as possible when outside, using an effective repellent on all exposed skin and reapplying within a few hours. People should take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk.
There have been fewer mosquitos detected in the region compared with January 2020, but Mr Burns said it only took one mosquito to be a problem.
"We might have a few mosquitos that are carrying the virus and those same mosquitos can transmit the virus to a number of people," he said.
The virus cannot be transmitted between humans.
The symptoms of Ross River fever include fever, chills, headache, aches and pains which typically begin within three weeks of being bitten.
Tiredness and sore and swollen joints can also occur. A rash may appear for the first 7 - 10 days of illness in some people.
Symptoms can subside after a few weeks but some people may experience them for weeks or even months. People should see their doctor if they experience these symptoms.
People can reduce their risk of getting Ross River fever by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes. Steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:
- When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
- Use an effective repellent on all exposed skin. Re-apply repellent within a few hours, as protection wears off with perspiration. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin.
- Take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk
- Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors
- Light mosquito coils or use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
- When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
