Talking Points: Ross River Virus Disease (Updated, April 11, 2017)

Talking Points – Ross River Virus in Australia

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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when talking about the Ross River virus and travel to Australia. (April 11, 2017)

1. While the CDC has not issued any advisories against traveling to Australia due to the Ross River virus, it does recommend travelers protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites as part of its “Level 1 – Watch” notice.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, including Melbourne.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. While the CDC has not issued any advisories against traveling to Australia due to the Ross River virus, it does recommend travelers protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites as part of its “Level 1 – Watch” notice.

 According to the Department of Health in Australia, as of April 10, 2017, a total of 3,655 Ross River virus disease (RRVD) cases have been reported. The number of cases reported in the first quarter of 2017 is almost equal to the number of RRVD cases reported in the entire year of 2016.

o Australia’s HealthDirect program says that typically, RRVD is found most often in “Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberly region in Western Australia between January and April.” Recent cases, however, have been appearing in Victoria.

 A Watch Level 1 travel health notice from the CDC is the lowest of three advisories it issues, meaning it recommends travelers “practice usual precautions.”

 RRVD is spread through mosquito bites. About 55%–75% of people who are infected do not feel sick. For those who do feel sick, symptoms of RRVD include joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, fever, tiredness, and rash. Most patients recover within a few weeks, but some people experience joint pain, joint stiffness or tiredness for many months.

o Travelers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of RRVD. Disease risk is likely to decrease with the colder weather during the coming winter months in Australia. Ross River virus disease is the most common mosquito-related infection in Australia.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, including Melbourne.

 No vaccine or medicine can prevent RRVD. The only way to prevent RRVD is to prevent mosquito bites

 

o Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

o Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.

o If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

o Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).

o Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.

o Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

 Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

 We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe or were unable to provide precautions to minimize risks. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.