Barmah Forest virus
| Barmah Forest Virus | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group IV ((+)ssRNA) |
| Family: | Togaviridae |
| Genus: | Alphavirus |
| Species: | Barmah Forest Virus |
Barmah Forest virus is a virus currently found only in Australia. Although there is no specific treatment for infection with the Barmah Forest virus, the disease is non-fatal and all infected people recover.[1]
The virus can only be transmitted to humans by bites from infected mosquitos. Direct contact with an infected person or animal does not cause infection.[2] The virus is hosted mainly by marsupials, especially possums, kangaroos and wallabies.[1]
Symptoms include fever, malaise, rash, joint pain, and muscle tenderness. Fever and malaise generally disappear within a few days to a week, but other symptoms such as joint pain may continue up to six months.[3]
The Barmah forest virus causes similar symptoms as the Ross River virus, though they usually persist longer in persons infected with the latter.[1][2]
The virus was discovered in 1974 in mosquitos in the Barmah Forest in northern Victoria.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Barmah Forest Virus Queensland Health. Queensland Government. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ a b Ross River Virus & Barmah Forest Virus in WA. Environmental Health Directorate. Department of Health, Western Australia 2006. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ Barmah Forest virus infection. New South Wales Government: Health. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus - the facts. Department of Health, Victoria, Australia. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
[edit] External links
- "ICTVdB Virus Description - 00.073.0.01.004. Barmah Forest virus". http://phene.cpmc.columbia.edu/EntVir/Data/www/73001004.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
- Barmah Forest virus infection - Fact Sheet from the Australia Department of Health and Ageing
- Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses
- Queensland Public Health Services: Barmah Forest Virus (PDF)[dead link]
- Mozzies carrier of 'emerging virus'
