Tasmanian hit by Ross River virus
HOBART, Aug 20 AAP - Tasmania has suffered a record outbreak of Ross River virus, adebilitating disease more commonly associated with the tropics.
Acting director of Public Health Avner Misrachi said today 118 cases had been reportedthis year compared with only 13 for all of last year. The previous record was 74 in 1996.
Most cases of the mosquito-born disease occurred in the southeast, particularly Hobart'seastern suburbs.
Dr Misrachi said the reasons for the outbreak, which had now run its course, includedunusually heavy spring and early summer rainlast year which had left a lot of water aroundfor mosquito breeding.
The virus - which causes fever, headache, aching joints and rashes - usually curesitself within six weeks, although it can persist for more than a year.
While the symptoms can be alleviated, there is no medical cure.
The good news is that people who catch it develop life-time immunity.
AAP dw/jmd
KEYWORD: VIRUS
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