Another Islander confirmed with Ross River

The number of Phillip Islanders with confirmed cases of Ross River virus continues to grow.

The Department of Health has now put the number of cases at 15 (see separate story).

Peter Kelly’s partner Lyn Greene was diagnosed on February 9, and he’s frustrated by the response from the authorities.

He said it took three trips to the doctor – one to the Urgent Care Centre in Cowes and two to a local GP – before a blood test was taken for Ross River virus.

And that’s despite Lyn displaying classic symptoms of the virus, including swollen joints, tingling and “shocking aches and pains”.

The lack of awareness and information from authorities has frustrated the couple.

“The medical authorities are virtually denying that there is anything wrong,” Peter said.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s as bad as Covid. We need to put pressure on someone to do something about it and inform people officially. The more we talk to different people, the more we hear of people who have it.

“It’s running riot on the island.”

He’s concerned more locals or holiday-makers might contract the disease.

The Advertiser is aware of two visitors from Melbourne who tested positive for Ross River virus, after holidaying in Cowes from December 26 to January 6.

Bedridden

Peter said Lyn was virtually bedridden when he took her to the Hub three weeks ago.

“She was told to take Panadol and Neurofen and go and see her GP. We went and saw the GP who did a blood test but didn’t test for Ross River.”

The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatories, but Lyn and Peter still had no idea what was causing her symptoms.

Then the couple read the Advertiser story about other islanders being diagnosed with Ross River virus.

They went back to the doctor and asked for a Ross River virus test. There was then an anxious 10-day wait for the test results.

“It took over a week to come back, because the clinical place had run out of test kits. The fact that the labs had run out, that’s deplorable,” Peter said.

Finally getting a diagnosis has been an emotional relief, despite providing no actual relief for the symptoms.

And with her course of steroids about to run out, Peter and Lyn are worried about what lies ahead.

“They (the steroids) only obscured the pain, and when you come off them, the pain and everything is back. She’s at the stage where she can only shuffle along, because she’s all stiff, sore and swollen.”

There is no treatment or cure for Ross River virus and most people’s symptoms subside after several weeks.

However some people may experience reoccurring symptoms over a year or more.

Peter said he’s positive Lyn picked up the virus on Phillip Island and hopes telling their story will build awareness in the community.

“We live on Harbison Road, right in the middle of the island. Because of Covid, we haven’t been far in the last three months.”

Their proximity to Oswin Roberts Reserve, and a dam on their property means there’s plenty of breeding spaces for mozzies.

He’s hoping authorities act quickly to address the issue.

However health authorities have stressed anyone with the virus is not contagious, as the virus is not transmitted from human to human.

Prevention

Prevention is your best protection from Ross River virus, and taking measures to avoid mosquito bites is a critical step.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing when outdoors.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.
• Try to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are about (usually dusk and dawn).
• Make sure there is no stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around your home.
• On holidays make sure your accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
• Don’t forget the kids – it’s safer to spray or rub insect repellents on their clothes rather than directly onto their skin.

See The Better Health Channel’s ‘Beat the Bite’ campaign, for advice on how to prevent Ross River Fever: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/beat-the-bite.