Warnings of floods and rains across Queensland have sparked fears related to Ross River fever among health authorities. Ross River fever is caused by a virus carried by a number of mosquito species. It is usually associated with joint pain and swelling that can last for weeks.
Frank Beard, an official from Queensland Health says that there has been a startling rise in number of cases with 70 diagnosed last week. The condition he said was not life threatening but could be debilitating affecting a person’s ability to lead a normal productive life.
These rains and floods are a cause for water hold-ups which breed mosquitoes. Mr. Beard urged residents to empty water holding containers and use insect repellants.
"Not every mosquito is obviously going to be carrying Ross River or any other infection. However, the more times you're bitten the greater your risk is." He said.
What is a bane for residents is a boon for farmers. The areas around Yeppon produce 30% of the state’s crops and good rains translate to good yield this season.
Tropical Pines chairman Mick Cranny says that this extra water will mean bigger yield especially for pineapple growers
"Generally speaking, it's beneficial, because we'll finish up with a full soil profile of water for the last of the summer, so that's a good thing," he says.
"It'll actually help increase the size of fruit for the autumn and winter crops and maybe even the spring crops. It has been long enough for that to be a good thing."
Research suggests no need for yellow fever vaccine booster after initial dose