Geographic variation of notified Ross River virus infections in Queensland, Australia, 1985-1996

The spatial and temporal variations of Ross River virus infections reported in Queensland, Australia, between 1985 and 1996 were studied by using the Geographic Information System. The notified cases of Ross River virus infec tion came from 489 localities between 1985 and 1988, 805 between 1989 and 1 992, and 1,157 between 1993 and 1996 (X (2)((df = 2)) = 680.9; P < 0.001). There was a marked increase in the number of localities where the cases wer e reported by 65 percent for the period of 1989-1992 and 137 percent for 19 93-1996, compared with that for 1985-1988. The geographic distribution of t he notified Ross River virus cases has expanded in Queensland over recent y ears. As Ross River virus disease has impacted considerably on tourism and industry, as well as on residents of affected areas, more research is requi red to explore the causes of the geographic expansion of the notified Ross River virus infections.