A warning to protect from mosquito bites has been issued after research found that warmer temperatures heighten the risk of Ross River Virus outbreaks, especially in river land and coastal regions.

Ross River Virus is a common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, with around 3,000 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 and while most people recover within weeks, in some cases symptoms can persist hindering quality of life.

Researchers at Adelaide University conducted which said it was difficult to predict Ross River Virus outbreaks.

A scoping review analysed 30 studies related to the virus and temperature in Australia, finding that Ross River Virus risk increases when temperatures rise, but there were differences across geographic regions.

“There’s a complex range of factors contributing to increased risk, including rainfall, humidity, and stagnant water conditions,” lead author Christina Mary Varghese said.

“But we know that cases are more likely when temperatures are between 17 and 31 degrees, with infections spiking when temperatures are around 26 degrees.

“That’s why it’s important for Australians to protect themselves from mozzie bites over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Particularly during summer, travelling and camping outdoors, researchers say Aussies should take precautions by wearing light coloured clothing, using mosquito nets and mosquito repellent creams on unexposed skin.

“While not all mosquitos carry Ross River Fever, it’s wise to be careful; mosquitos can also cause Barmah Forest Virus and Japanese Encephalitis,” Ms Varghese said.

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Thursday, 16th October 2025

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