Editor’s Note:
Ross River fever is most commonly found in Australia and several South Pacific islands. It is not considered a common mosquito-borne disease in Indonesia. However, travelers who visit Australia or return from affected areas may encounter information about the disease, so it is useful to understand its symptoms and prevention.
What is Ross River Fever?
Ross River fever is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Unlike some other infectious diseases, Ross River fever cannot be spread from person to person.
Ross River fever is caused by the Ross River virus, which is carried by several species of mosquitoes. The virus naturally circulates between mosquitoes and animals, particularly kangaroos, wallabies, and other marsupials in Australia.
Most infections are mild, and many people develop only flu-like symptoms. Others may experience more prolonged illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 21 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swollen joints
- Skin rash
One of the characteristic features of Ross River fever is joint pain, which may persist for several weeks or, in some cases, several months. A small number of people experience fatigue and joint discomfort for up to a year, although the illness gradually improves.
The disease is not fatal, and most people make a complete recovery.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose Ross River fever based on symptoms, travel history, and laboratory blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus.
Because the symptoms resemble other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever or chikungunya, medical evaluation is important, particularly for travelers returning from Australia or the South Pacific.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Ross River fever.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through:
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications, as recommended by a healthcare provider
- Gentle exercise and physiotherapy if joint stiffness persists
Most infections resolve naturally over time.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent Ross River fever.
The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites by:
- Applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Using mosquito nets where appropriate.
- Eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes breed.
These same precautions also help reduce the risk of other mosquito-borne illnesses that are far more common in Indonesia, including dengue fever, malaria (in certain regions), chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis.
Ross River Fever and Indonesia
Ross River fever is not endemic in Indonesia and is rarely diagnosed there. For residents and visitors in Indonesia, dengue fever remains the most significant mosquito-borne viral illness. Nevertheless, anyone returning from Australia or other affected regions who develops fever, rash, or persistent joint pain should seek medical advice and inform their healthcare provider about their recent travel history.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended as a general health guide and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you develop persistent fever, severe joint pain, or other concerning symptoms after travel, consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly.
This article was originally prepared with the assistance of the Coordinating Doctors of International SOS (an AEA Company) and has been updated to reflect current medical guidance.
