Ross River Virus Research
Ross River Virus Research
The research investigated predisposing factors to improve management of Ross River Virus in the southwest of Western Australia
Partners: University of WA, Health Department of WA SW Local Government Authorities Completed 2004
Duration 4 years Cost: $250,000
The study was sponsored by the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, and carried out by UWA with logistical support from the Department of Health.
Findings:
· Outbreaks occur in autumn and are associated with autumn/winter rains
· The longer a mosquito (which transmits the virus) survives, the greater the chance it has of transmitting the disease from an animal host to humans
· The risk of outbreaks of RRV can be predicted by studying the immunity of Western Grey Kangaroos and horses, both of which are animal hosts for the Ross River Virus
· Peak times for biting are 6pm and 5am
· Mapping of incidence of RRV in the southwest and the knowledge that the majority of mosquitoes remain within a 1km radius of release
Resultant improvements to health outcomes:
· Monitoring kangaroo or horse immunity may help predict human outbreaks
· More is understood about high risk areas, and these should be targeted during outbreaks
· Timing of bites should inform the public about when to cover up and apply repellents
· Knowing the areas of peak incidence of RRV should inform planners when considering areas of human population
The research investigated predisposing factors to improve management of Ross River Virus in the southwest of Western Australia
Partners: University of WA, Health Department of WA SW Local Government Authorities Completed 2004
Duration 4 years Cost: $250,000
The study was sponsored by the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, and carried out by UWA with logistical support from the Department of Health.
Findings:
· Outbreaks occur in autumn and are associated with autumn/winter rains
· The longer a mosquito (which transmits the virus) survives, the greater the chance it has of transmitting the disease from an animal host to humans
· The risk of outbreaks of RRV can be predicted by studying the immunity of Western Grey Kangaroos and horses, both of which are animal hosts for the Ross River Virus
· Peak times for biting are 6pm and 5am
· Mapping of incidence of RRV in the southwest and the knowledge that the majority of mosquitoes remain within a 1km radius of release
Resultant improvements to health outcomes:
· Monitoring kangaroo or horse immunity may help predict human outbreaks
· More is understood about high risk areas, and these should be targeted during outbreaks
· Timing of bites should inform the public about when to cover up and apply repellents
· Knowing the areas of peak incidence of RRV should inform planners when considering areas of human population