Characterization of Ross River Viruses Isolated from Patients with Polyarthritis in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna Islands *

“…In August 1979 it had spread to Samoa, where an estimated 13,500 people were infected. Between January and June 1980 the disease spread to the Cook Islands (10°-20°S) and New Caledonia (22°S ) where further cases occurred (Aaskov et al 1981, Fauran et al 1984, Mackenzie et al 1994, Rosen et al 1981, Tesh et al 1981. It was assumed that RRV had then disappeared from the region, probably because of the lack of a suitable reservoir host.…”

Section: History Of Epidemic Polyarthritis In the Australasian Regionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus Infections: A Review of History, Ecology, and Predictive Models, with Implications for Tropical Northern Australia

Jacups

Whelan

Currie³

2008

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

140

128

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The purpose of the present article is to present a review of the Ross River virus (RRV) and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) literature in relation to potential implications for future disease in tropical northern Australia. Ross River virus infection is the most common and most widespread arboviral disease in Australia, with an average of 4,800 national notifications annually. Of recent concern is the sudden rise in BFV infections; the 2005-2006 summer marked the largest BFV epidemic on record in Australia, with 1,895 notifications. Although not life-threatening, infection with either virus can cause arthritis, myalgia, and fatigue for 6 months or longer, resulting in substantial morbidity and economic impact. The geographic distribution of mosquito species and their seasonal activity is determined in large part by temperature and rainfall. Predictive models can be useful tools in providing early warning systems for epidemics of RRV and BFV infection. Various models have been developed to predict RRV outbreaks, but these appear to be mostly only regionally valid, being dependent on local ecological factors. Difficulties have arisen in developing useful models for the tropical northern parts of Australia, and to date no models have been developed for the Northern Territory. Only one model has been developed for predicting BFV infections using climate and tide variables. It is predicted that the exacerbation of current greenhouse conditions will result in longer periods of high mosquito activity in the tropical regions where RRV and BFV are already common. In addition, the endemic locations may expand further within temperate regions, and epidemics may become more frequent in those areas. Further development of predictive models should benefit public health planning by providing early warning systems of RRV and BFV infection outbreaks in different geographical locations.

show abstract

“…In August 1979 the disease spread to American Samoa, where it was estimated 13,500 people were infected (130,197). Then, between February and March and between January and June 1980, RRV disease cases occurred in the Cook Islands and New Caledonia, respectively (56,130,162). The number of cases in the Cook Islands is unknown; 32 cases were serologically confirmed in New Caledonia, but there were undoubtedly a larger number of infections (56,130,162).…”

Section: Potential For Epidemics and Dispersalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Then, between February and March and between January and June 1980, RRV disease cases occurred in the Cook Islands and New Caledonia, respectively (56,130,162). The number of cases in the Cook Islands is unknown; 32 cases were serologically confirmed in New Caledonia, but there were undoubtedly a larger number of infections (56,130,162). It is probable that a viremic traveler introduced RRV to Fiji, but introduction by a viremic animal is also theoretically possible, as may have occurred, for example, in the case of West Nile virus in New York (154).…”

Section: Potential For Epidemics and Dispersalmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Ross River Virus Transmission, Infection, and Disease: a Cross-Disciplinary Review

2001

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

SUMMARY Ross River virus (RRV) is a fascinating, important arbovirus that is endemic and enzootic in Australia and Papua New Guinea and was epidemic in the South Pacific in 1979 and 1980. Infection with RRV may cause disease in humans, typically presenting as peripheral polyarthralgia or arthritis, sometimes with fever and rash. RRV disease notifications in Australia average 5,000 per year. The first well-described outbreak occurred in 1928. During World War II there were more outbreaks, and the name epidemic polyarthritis was applied. During a 1956 outbreak, epidemic polyarthritis was linked serologically to a group A arbovirus (Alphavirus). The virus was subsequently isolated from Aedes vigilax mosquitoes in 1963 and then from epidemic polyarthritis patients. We review the literature on the evolutionary biology of RRV, immune response to infection, pathogenesis, serologic diagnosis, disease manifestations, the extraordinary variety of vertebrate hosts, mosquito vectors, and transmission cycles, antibody prevalence, epidemiology of asymptomatic and symptomatic human infection, infection risks, and public health impact. RRV arthritis is due to joint infection, and treatment is currently based on empirical anti-inflammatory regimens. Further research on pathogenesis may improve understanding of the natural history of this disease and lead to new treatment strategies. The burden of morbidity is considerable, and the virus could spread to other countries. To justify and design preventive programs, we need accurate data on economic costs and better understanding of transmission and behavioral and environmental risks.

show abstract

Characterization of Ross River Viruses Isolated from Patients with Polyarthritis in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna Islands *

Cited by 20 publications

References 0 publications

Prolonged Infection of Human Synovial Cells with Ross River Virus

Prolonged Infection of Human Synovial Cells with Ross River Virus

Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus Infections: A Review of History, Ecology, and Predictive Models, with Implications for Tropical Northern Australia

Ross River Virus Transmission, Infection, and Disease: a Cross-Disciplinary Review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About