A COMPARISON OF THE DISEASES CAUSED BY ROSS RIVER VIRUS AND BARMAH FOREST VIRUS

Barmah Forest virus (BFV) and Ross River virus (RRV) are mosquito-born e viruses with similar vectors and environmental requirements. They ca use diseases characterised by arthralgia, arthritis and myalgia, often accompanied by fever and rash. Arthritis is more common and more prom inent in RRV disease and rash is more common and florid with BFV infec tion, although the diseases cannot be reliably distinguished by their clinical symptoms. Diagnosis is based on serological tests and a defin ite diagnosis of recent infection requires the demonstration of rising titres of IgG. Arthralgia, myalgia and lethargy may continue for at l east six months in up to half of patients with RRV, but in only about 10% of patients with BFV. Both diseases are managed symptomatically.