Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/12/2362617.htm
Ross River virus detected in Perth
The mosquito-borne Ross River virus has been detected early in Perth and the south-west.
It is the second year in a row that the virus has been detected early, last year was considered one of the worst with more than 800 cases.
The Department of Health's Michael Lindsay says 100 cases have been reported since July.
He says a severe outbreak will depend on whether there is much flooding or rainfall over the coming months.
"Our detecting of Ross River virus in mosquitoes in the south-west early in the season doesn't always translate into a really bad outbreak year," he said.
"What it tells us is the virus is active and if we continue to get environmental conditions that favour the breeding of mosquitoes the likelihood of an outbreak is obviously greater."
Ross River virus detected in Perth
The mosquito-borne Ross River virus has been detected early in Perth and the south-west.
It is the second year in a row that the virus has been detected early, last year was considered one of the worst with more than 800 cases.
The Department of Health's Michael Lindsay says 100 cases have been reported since July.
He says a severe outbreak will depend on whether there is much flooding or rainfall over the coming months.
"Our detecting of Ross River virus in mosquitoes in the south-west early in the season doesn't always translate into a really bad outbreak year," he said.
"What it tells us is the virus is active and if we continue to get environmental conditions that favour the breeding of mosquitoes the likelihood of an outbreak is obviously greater."