Ross River virus warning issued for Perth after debilitating illness found in mosquitoes on Swan River

A potentially “debilitating” virus has been found in mosquitoes collected from Perth’s Swan River.

Ahead of the long weekend, authorities revealed Ross River virus had been identified at a trapping site in Pelican Point, Crawley.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ross River virus warning issued for Perth.

The illness can cause swollen or painful joints, sore muscles, skin rashes, fever, fatigue and headaches.

Symptoms can last for week and months.

“Ross River virus is the most common mosquito-borne virus in WA and symptoms can be debilitating,” Environmental Health acting director Dr Peter Gray said.

“There is no vaccine, cure or specific treatment for RRV, so it is important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Recent favourable breeding conditions, including persistently high tides and warmer weather, had driven an increase in mosquito activity, Gray said.

With temperatures expected to top 30C on Saturday and Sunday, and 27C predicted for the Labour Day public holiday on Monday, big numbers of people are set to visit the Swan River.

“River goers are reminded not to rely on mosquito management programs alone to control all mosquitoes,” Gray said.

“People need to take their own precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

The advice is to cover up with long, loose-fitting clothing, use insect screens and a mosquito repellent.