Attention all residents and holiday visitors! Your safety is at stake as recent discoveries of the Ross River virus in mosquito traps across Gippsland have raised concerns. This is an alarming reminder that we must take proactive steps to safeguard ourselves from mosquito bites.
As reported on December 31, 2025, the Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program has confirmed the presence of the Ross River virus in several mosquito surveillance traps located in Wellington and East Gippsland shires over the past few weeks. In response, local councils are actively conducting mosquito control operations to manage this health threat. But with the warmer weather encouraging increased mosquito breeding, controlling their population can be a challenging task.
With the holiday season upon us, we anticipate a surge in visitors to regional Victoria. The Department of Health emphasizes that taking simple preventive measures can significantly lower the risk of infection from this virus.
The Ross River virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. While it's true that many individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, some might suffer from fever, painful or swollen joints, muscle aches, fatigue, or rashes. These symptoms can linger for weeks, and in some cases, even months.
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for the Ross River virus. Thus, the best strategy to reduce your risk of contracting this virus is to prevent mosquito bites altogether. During this festive season, it’s advisable for anyone traveling throughout Victoria to take these precautions seriously: wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; apply mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET to any exposed skin; and limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, which are typically at dawn and dusk.
If you begin to experience symptoms that align with a Ross River virus infection, it is crucial to consult your general practitioner without delay.
Stay safe and protect yourself this holiday season! What steps will you take to shield yourself from mosquitoes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
