Barmah Forest virus disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected. Most people recover completely within 6 months, although some people have intermittent symptoms for longer. Barmah Forest virus disease is caused by an alphavirus, which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin to appear between 7 to 10 (but up to 21) days after becoming infected, however many people infected with Barmah Forest virus will never develop any symptoms. When in mosquito-prone areas, wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and use insect repellent contain DEET or Picaridin to help reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes. Symptoms include lethargy or fatigue, joint pain – may affect wrists, knees, ankles or small joints of the extremities, such as fingers or toes, rash of variable appearance on the trunk and limbs, muscle aches and pains and fever. Barmah Forest virus disease occurs throughout most regions of Australia including regional Victoria, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions. However it’s relatively rare in Victoria. There were less than 20 cases reported in Victoria each year between 2015 and 2019. Epidemics occur from time to time and are related to environmental conditions that encourage mosquito breeding, such as heavy rainfall, floods, high tides and high temperatures. There is no preventive vaccine available. Your only protection against Barmah Forest virus is to avoid mosquito bites.

To reduce the risk of infection:

Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin applied regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid mosquito-prone areas, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more active and likely to bite. Ensure that your accommodation has fly screens properly fitted to windows and external doors. Reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding habitats around your home by ensuring no stagnant water is present. Containers holding water should be emptied and washed regularly.

The Journal of Biology and Today’s World is a leading academic research journal, which publishes scholarly articles in the field of medicine and biology. This journal publishes the finest peer-reviewed research in all aspects of medicine and biology keeping in mind the originality, importance, accessibility, timeliness, elegance, and startling conclusions.

Send your manuscript as an email attachment to our Editorial office at manuscripts@iomcworld.org