94 of 2019 as amended | |
95 of 2019 |
Ross River virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a disease manifested by polyarthritis and rash. The illness was first described in northern Australia and subsequently has been observed widely through Australia and many islands of the western South Pacific.
Diagnosis can be complex and medical advice may be needed. Serology results confirming recent infection are required. There must also be a compatible clinical illness, not just positive serology. See comments, below.
The relevant medical specialist is an infectious diseases physician.
* another SOP applies
# non-SOP condition
Symptomatic Ross river virus infection usually presents with an acute febrile illness with arthritis and rash. It may also present with a fever, rash, or arthritis alone. Some subjects present with a more chronic polyarthritis or polyarthralgia. Fatigue/lethargy is also a common feature.
The incubation period for acute presentations is usually 3 to 9 days. Subclinical infection is common.
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. Treatment consists of supportive care. No specific antiviral therapy is available. The condition typically resolves and is not fatal.
The SOP applies if there is a clinical illness consistent with the disease and positive serology for recent infection.
Most cases of symptomatic Ross river virus infection resolve within 3 to 6 months. Persistence of symptoms beyond 12 months is very unusual. Symptoms after this time are likely to be due to another condition or be unexplained.
A claim for previously symptomatic Ross river virus infection, with contemporary positive serology for recent infection, that has now resolved, can be diagnosed as “Ross river virus infection - resolved” and determined using the SOP.
Serology for Ross river virus infection.
If the only serological evidence available is positive serology for IgG (alone), with testing performed some months after disease onset, the following minimum criteria should be fulfilled before confirming the diagnosis and applying the SOP:
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/sops/condition/ross-river-virus-infection
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2019/1264c867d5/095.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20bulletin%20211.pdf