About Ross River

Key Points

  • Ross River virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
  • Symptoms can include swollen or painful joints, fever, rash, and fatigue.
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Ross River virus disease (Ross River).
  • You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Person holding a bottle of insect repellant.

Overview

Ross River virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Rarely, Ross River virus has spread through blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Most cases of Ross River occur in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Cases have also been identified previously in many south Pacific islands including Fiji, American Samoa, New Caledonia, and the Cook Islands.

Ross River virus belongs to a group of viruses called alphaviruses. Symptoms can include swollen or painful joints, fever, rash, and fatigue. Death from Ross River has never been reported.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Ross River. Reduce your risk of infection from Ross River virus by preventing mosquito bites.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)