Ross River virus tally swells
A Cape Woolamai arborist is the latest positive case on Phillip Island.
The Ross River virus tally continues to increase, with a Cape Woolamai arborist the latest positive case.
Trevor Moulynox last week received a positive result after his wife Jess saw the Advertiser articles and Facebook posts detailing the mozzie-borne virus outbreak.
Bass Coast Shire and Bass Coast Health were both unaware of the outbreak until contacted by the Advertiser.
“It happened to Trevor exactly how your article reported it,” Jess said.
“He was sitting out on the deck before Christmas and then got swollen feet and ankles. He thought he should get liver and kidney tests, but then asked for a Ross River test, although the doctor did say his symptoms suggested it could be that.
“I think the word should get out that if anyone experiences any symptoms, get them checked, because sometimes the doctor won’t check if you don’t ask.”
The mother-of-two said since her 37-year-old husband was tested at the Wonthaggi Medical Group a fortnight ago he had been on anti-inflammatories which, according to the doctor, can limit cartilage degeneration from the virus.
“It’s the only thing making him function. He still has a lot of joint pain and when he gets out of the car he groans like an old man. He’s normally active, likes jogging and playing with the kids, riding the bikes, but he’s in a lot of pain.
“This is something that lasts forever, like the herpes virus. The symptoms can go away but reoccur through your life so it’s not something you want to get. With Covid around, you don’t want your body compromised.”
The couple suspect the guilty mosquito bit Trevor in the lead up to Christmas, when they were sitting on the back deck of their home, rather than in his job as a consultant arborist.
“He was being mauled by them. They were crazy, swarming around him and he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, whereas with his job he wears boots and is covered all over.”
