General News
27 January, 2026
Ross River virus link to heat
FAR Northerners are being urged to prevent mosquito bites this summer, after research mapping studies from across the country found that warmer temperatures heighten the risk of Ross River virus outbreaks, especially in riverland and coastal regions.
The scoping review, led by the University of Adelaide and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, also uncovered a knowledge gap when it comes to understanding the impact of temperature on Ross River virus notifications within inland Australia.
Ross River virus is a common mosquito-borne diseases in Australia, with around 3000 cases reported annually. It can be spread by more than 40 different species of mosquitos and hosts can include kangaroos, wallabies, bats, horses and dogs. It can cause a rash, fever and joint pain (arthralgia). While most people recover within weeks, in some cases symptoms, specifically joint pain, can persist, hindering quality of life.
Lead author Chrstina Mar Varghese said studies found that maximum temperatures were linked to higher Ross River virus cases in coastal Australia, particularly in Queensland (including Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay).
