The nightmare of a Ross River epidemic on the Gold Coast is becoming a reality, with the number of cases so far this year 27 times the four-year average.
The latest Gold Coast Health figures show there have been 242 confirmed cases of the debilitating fever between January 1 and March 1.
That's compared to the nine or so averaged in the same period between 2010 and 2014.
Across Queensland, 2050 people have already been struck down by the mosquito-borne illness this year, again far outnumbering the 2010-14 average of just 282 cases.
The figures appears to confirm infectious disease specialists' fears of an outbreak of the illness across the state.
"The Gold Coast is still in the grip of a significant Ross River fever epidemic," Gold Coast Health spokesperson Sharon Jurd said.
And there's no end in sight, with the wet season running into April and providing ample breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
"One concern at the moment is the breeding in many areas of freshwater mosquitoes which may carry the virus," Ms Jurd told AAP.
Symptoms of Ross River fever include painful or swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches.
Most people recover within two weeks, but it can take up to six to be back to full health.
There's no known cure.
TIPS TO STOP THE ROSS RIVER OUTBREAK:
* Throw out any container holding water in the yard
* Regularly empty pot plant trays, bird baths
* Keep gutter leaf free
* Screen doors and windows
* Get native fish for dams or fish ponds.
Share
