The Health Problem of Ross River Virus in Kirwan Community

A current community health assessment has indicated that Kirwan community is at risk of Ross River Virus. This is due to the location of the suburb being close to the river (Ross River). Ross River Virus is a mosquito borne disease which occurs widely in the northern region of Australia, particularly in Townsville. According to State of Queensland (2018), there has been around 5000 cases of Ross River Virus report each year, with large outbreak between February to May. This outbreak is reflected by increased number of mosquito breeding that occurs during the wet season. Environmental health problem such as this, can negatively impact the physical health of this community. A recent study suggested that, people who live close to the river area are at risk of mosquito vector infections such as the one mentioned above. According to Word Health Organisation (2018), vector -borne diseases such as Ross River Virus, dengue, malaria, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis account for more than 700, 000 deaths each year of all infectious diseases.

Ross River Virus (RRV) was first discovered in1959 close to Ross River in Townsville. RRV also called epidemic polyarthritis is caused by a group of viruses known as arboviruses. People get infected when bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. The spread of the infection is caused by three types of mosquitoes such as Culex annulirostris, Aedes vigilax (salt marsh mosquito) and Aedes notosriptus being the most common type. In addition, Ross River Virus cannot be spread from person to person as the virus is transmitted by the bite of mosquito, resulting the virus to enter the bloodstream of the patient. Clinical signs and symptoms include, arthralgia (rash, fever, joint pain, and lethargy), body aches, as well as headache. The most affected joints include, wrist, ankles, fingers and knees. Whereas less common symptoms, are tingling in palms of the hands and feet, nausea and sore throat. Symptoms such as lethargy and muscle stiffness can be debilitating to most people affecting the ability to carry out minor activities or even getting out of bed. In terms of incubation period which is the period where symptoms first appear is between 3 days to 11 days or up to 21 days. The recovery period varies amongst individuals affected by the virus. Whereas individuals with chronic and comorbidity conditions, tend to have prolonged recovery of up to 12 months after diagnosis. Further, symptoms of RRV subside eventually and people recover within 2 to 6 weeks. 15% of the people with RRV could still be sick after 3 months, while 5% will have chronic joint pain and lethargy for 6 months. Lastly, 2% of people will have lasting symptoms for up to a year.

This virus is a serious health threat to Kirwan community, because currently there are no treatments that can prevent the course of this illness. However, the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help to reduce symptoms such as fever and joint pain. Therefore, health promotion strategies to prevent this virus and minimise its negative effect is paramount.

As stated earlier, Ross River Virus is a health issue that could result negative health consequences for the Kirwan community. The virus outbreaks since 1959 has caused a significant morbidity and huge economical burden to the society. It is indicated that the medical cost of detecting and surveillance of Ross River Virus is more than $4. 7 million a year. Due to this reason, the local government has launched mosquito control programs to reduce the virus outbreaks. This include, broad-acre aerial treatment and regular ground treatment on the affected areas. Even though there is a management plan in place, still there are Ross River Virus outbreaks happening as the mosquito control teams cannot completely wipe out mosquitos from Townsville. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the community nurse to implement strategies to alleviate this health issue in this community.

A key component of reducing the risk of Ross River Virus is by raising community awareness about the virus, its spread, as well as its health impacts. In addition, community education and awareness campaigns are crucial for keeping mosquito-borne diseases at bay. The first step of the education program is to plan. The planning phase involves booking hall and preparing for the event. Gathering vital information regarding RRV, how is transmitted, and practical action that can be taken for preventing the effect of Ross River Virus. Further, to improve the efficiency of the communication strategy, the nurse will work with the local government and other stakeholders to ensure the program to be successful. During the session, the nurse uses PowerPoint to explain preventative and protective measures that can be used against Ross River Virus. Personal protection to minimise risk of mosquito bite include, avoiding mosquito bites and time spent outdoor. Wearing loose long sleeves clothing to prevent mosquito bite, using appropriate insect screens at home.

Further, staying away from dawn and dusk, areas where mosquitoes are more likely active as well as using mosquito repellents such as diethyl-toluamide on exposed skin. Minimising mosquito breeding by disposing all containers that hold water and keeping the swimming pools well chlorinated also is vital. At the time of the community education, the nurse will use highly persuasive plain language to ensure effective communication and understanding. In addition, the nurse will provide communication materials (brochure and pamphlets) at the end of session to take home, review and use when is required. Prior to the completion of the session, the nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of the session by handing a feedback form to the audience to assess and rate the helpfulness of the session. This is important because, evaluation is an ongoing process that measures the fulfilment of the aim of the session.