ECHUCA-MOAMA residents are being advised to avoid mosquito bites after cases of Ross River virus were detected along the NSW-Victoria border.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District has been notified of 18 cases between January 1 and 22, compared to five cases in the same period in 2020.
The symptoms of Ross River fever include fever, chills, headache, aches and pains, which typically begin within three weeks of being bitten.
Tiredness and sore and swollen joints can occur, and a rash may appear for the first seven to 10 days of illness in some people.
Symptoms can subside after a few weeks, but some people may experience them for weeks or months.
To reduce the risk of getting Ross River fever, take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
This includes covering up as much as possible when outside, using effective repellent on exposed skin and taking special care during peak mosquito biting hours at dawn and dusk.
More information on Ross River from NSW Health can be found at health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/ross-river-fever.aspx
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