Ross River Virus Detected in Victoria: Key Facts & Practical Guide for Protection

January 06 2026, by Tatianna Gerard, 11 min reading time

Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne illness that circulates in Australia every year, but recent reports of detections in Victoria’s Gippsland region in news media have brought renewed attention to the virus in recent weeks. While Ross River virus is more commonly associated with warmer, coastal or regional areas, its presence in Victoria is a timely reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses are not limited to one location or season.

With warmer weather, increased rainfall and more time spent outdoors, mosquito activity rises — increasing the risk of exposure. Raising awareness now helps people recognise symptoms early, understand how long recovery can take, and take simple steps to reduce their risk. In this article, we’ll explain what Ross River virus is, the symptoms to watch for, how long it can last, and practical ways to protect yourself and your household.

Ross River Virus detected in Victoria: What’s happening now

According to updates from the Victoria Department of Health, residents in Gippsland are urged to take extra precautions following recent detections of Ross River virus in mosquito surveillance traps across the region in recent weeks. The virus has been identified in multiple traps located in Wellington and East Gippsland Shires, as part of Victoria’s routine mosquito monitoring program.

These traps are used to track mosquito populations and detect viruses early — often before large numbers of human cases appear. While local councils have implemented mosquito control measures, warmer weather and increased rainfall can lead to higher mosquito breeding, making mosquito numbers more difficult to manage.

What is the Ross River virus?

Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne virus found in Australia and is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in the country. It is known for causing symptoms such as joint pain, muscle aches and fatigue, which can sometimes persist long after the initial infection has passed.

The virus is spread only through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transmitted from person to person through close contact, coughing or sneezing. While some people experience no symptoms at all, others develop flu-like symptoms that can vary in severity. Clinical research has shown that joint pain and stiffness are among the most frequently reported features of Ross River virus infection, and in some cases may last for weeks or months.

Ross River virus belongs to a group of viruses known as alphaviruses, which are associated with triggering inflammation in the body. This immune response helps explain why symptoms such as joint swelling and prolonged fatigue can continue even after the virus is no longer actively replicating.

Large-scale reviews in The Lancet Infectious Diseases have also noted that while Ross River virus is rarely life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on quality of life, particularly when joint pain and fatigue persist over time.

How is Ross River virus spread?

Ross River virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected after feeding on animals that carry the virus, such as kangaroos or wallabies, and can then transmit the virus to humans through subsequent bites. The virus does not spread from person to person.

The risk of transmission increases during warmer months, particularly after periods of rainfall, when mosquito populations grow and breeding conditions improve. Areas near wetlands, rivers, lakes and coastal regions tend to have higher mosquito activity, which can increase the chance of exposure.

It’s important to note that not all mosquitoes carry Ross River virus. However, because it’s not possible to tell which mosquitoes are infected, health authorities recommend taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites whenever mosquito numbers are high — especially in regions where virus activity has been detected through surveillance programs.

How long does Ross River virus infection last?

The duration of Ross River virus symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others may experience symptoms that persist for several months. The most commonly lingering symptoms are joint pain, stiffness and fatigue, which can fluctuate over time rather than improving in a straight line.

For many people, the initial flu-like symptoms — such as fever, muscle aches and rash — tend to settle first. Joint-related symptoms may last longer and can sometimes reappear during periods of physical activity or fatigue. This extended recovery period can be frustrating, particularly because people may otherwise feel well.

It should be noted that prolonged symptoms do not mean the virus is still active in the body. Instead, they are thought to be related to the body’s immune response following infection. Most people do gradually improve, even if recovery takes longer than expected.

When to see a GP

If you develop symptoms that may be consistent with Ross River virus — such as ongoing joint pain, swelling, fatigue or fever — it’s a good idea to see a GP for assessment. This is especially important if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or begin to interfere with daily activities.

A GP can help determine whether Ross River virus is a likely cause of your symptoms and may arrange blood tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Seeking medical advice can also help ensure symptoms are managed appropriately and that no other underlying issues are contributing to how you’re feeling.

You should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen, new symptoms appear, or if you belong to a higher-risk group, such as older adults or people with existing health conditions.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for Ross River virus?

At present, there is no vaccine available to prevent Ross River virus and no specific antiviral treatment to cure the infection. Management focuses on relieving symptoms while the body recovers.

Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as rest and measures to help manage pain, inflammation and fatigue, as advised by a healthcare professional. Because recovery can take time, ongoing symptom management and pacing daily activities are often recommended.

The absence of a vaccine or targeted treatment is why prevention plays such an important role in reducing the risk of Ross River virus. Minimising mosquito bites — particularly in areas where virus activity has been detected — remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your household.

How to reduce your risk: Practical prevention tips

Because Ross River virus is spread through mosquito bites, reducing contact with mosquitoes is the most effective way to lower your risk. Simple, everyday precautions can make a meaningful difference, especially during warmer months or in areas where mosquito activity is higher.

Using an effective insect repellent on exposed skin is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce mosquito bites. DEET-based repellents are widely used and well-studied, offering long-lasting protection in areas with high mosquito activity or increased virus risk. They’re often recommended when spending extended time outdoors, particularly in regions where mosquito-borne viruses have been detected.

For those who prefer an alternative, natural repellents made with plant-based ingredients can also be effective when used correctly and reapplied as directed. These options are often chosen by families or people with sensitive skin and can still provide useful protection, especially during everyday outdoor activities.

Read related article: Natural vs DEET: Which Insect Repellent Really Works?

Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing can also help reduce the amount of skin exposed to mosquito bites. Try to limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. At home or in accommodation, using screens on windows and doors, along with mosquito coils, diffusers or traps, can help reduce mosquito numbers indoors. Removing or regularly emptying standing water around the home can also reduce breeding sites.

These practical prevention measures are especially important for people living in, travelling to, or holidaying in regions where Ross River virus activity has been detected, helping reduce the risk of infection before symptoms ever begin. If you’re planning to go camping anywhere in Australia, we have a guide for you to keep the mozzies away here.

Final takeaway

Ross River virus is a well-established mosquito-borne illness in Australia, and recent detections in parts of Victoria are a timely reminder of why awareness matters. While most people recover over time, symptoms can be uncomfortable and long-lasting, which makes prevention especially important.

Understanding how the virus spreads, recognising symptoms early, and taking simple steps to reduce mosquito bites can significantly lower your risk. With no vaccine or specific treatment currently available, practical prevention — such as using insect repellent and reducing mosquito exposure — remains the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.