Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 17, 2025 2 hours, 27 minutes ago
Medical News: Australian researchers are warning that rising temperatures linked to climate change are creating ideal conditions for a sharp increase in Ross River virus infections spread by mosquito bites, particularly during the summer holiday season when people spend more time outdoors. The findings highlight growing public health concerns as warmer weather expands mosquito breeding zones and increases the chances of human exposure.
Warmer weather is making mosquito-borne Ross River virus infections more common and harder to
control across Australia
Ross River virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in Australia, with around 3,000 cases reported every year. It causes symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, and painful joint swelling that can significantly disrupt daily life. While most people recover within weeks, a notable minority continue to suffer lingering joint pain and exhaustion for months or even longer, affecting work, mobility, and emotional wellbeing. Not much studies have yet to be conducted on the long-term effects on human health by the Ross River Virus.
Large National Review Reveals Clear Temperature Links
The new findings come from a detailed scoping review led by researchers from the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide, working with collaborators across Australia. This
Medical News report is based on an analysis of 30 scientific studies examining how temperature influences Ross River virus and the closely related Barmah Forest virus across different parts of the country.
The research team found a consistent pattern showing that higher temperatures increase infection risk. Coastal regions showed the strongest link between rising maximum temperatures and infection spikes, especially in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Tasmania. In contrast, minimum night-time temperatures played a larger role in driving infections in inland regions of South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Why Warm Weather Boosts Infection Risk
According to the researchers, mosquitoes thrive and reproduce faster in warm conditions. The virus also multiplies more efficiently inside mosquitoes when temperatures range between 17 and 31 degrees Celsius, with infection rates peaking around 26 degrees. Warmer weather also encourages people to spend more time outdoors swimming, camping, and fishing, increasing the likelihood of mosquito bites.
Ross River virus is transmitted when mosquitoes feed on infected animals such as kangaroos and wallabies before biting humans. It cannot spread from person to person through casual contact, making mosquito control and bite prevention the most effective defenses.
Gaps In Knowledge Raise Future Concerns
Senior author Professor Peng Bi from the University of Adelaide emphasized that most existing research has focused on coastal areas, leaving major gaps in understanding how climate change will affect
inland communities. There are also no Australian studies projecting future healthcare costs or disease burden under different warming scenarios, limiting preparedness planning.
Protecting Yourself as Temperatures Rise
Experts strongly advise wearing long-sleeved light-colored clothing, using mosquito repellents, avoiding stagnant water, and using nets or screens, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Conclusion
The study clearly shows that rising temperatures are reshaping the risk landscape for mosquito-borne diseases in Australia. Without stronger surveillance, inland research, and public awareness, climate-driven increases in Ross River virus infections could place a growing burden on communities and healthcare systems in the years ahead.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020025000731
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/dengue-news
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/zika-virus
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