Immune & Allergy - Bloody Good
Infectious Disease Screening

Ross River Virus Serology (RRV)

The Ross River Virus (RRV) Serology Test checks for antibodies your body makes after infection with Ross River virus, which is spread by mosquitoes in Australia. This test may help confirm exposure if you have symptoms such as joint pain, fever, tiredness, or rash.

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Ross River Virus Serology (RRV)

Experiencing joint pain, fatigue, fever, or rash after mosquito exposure, especially in areas where Ross River Virus is common, and need to confirm if this virus is the cause?

Overview

Ross River Virus is Australia's most common mosquito-borne illness, spread when infected mosquitoes bite humans and deliver this unwelcome passenger into your system. Think of it as a stealthy invader that specifically targets your joints, muscles, and immune system, causing what doctors call epidemic polyarthritis – a condition that brings severe joint pain, swelling, exhaustion, fever, and often a telltale rash that can linger for weeks or even months.

What makes Ross River Virus particularly tricky is that its symptoms often mimic other conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, making it easy to misdiagnose. This blood test acts like a detective, searching for specific antibodies your immune system creates to fight the virus – IgM antibodies signal a recent infection (within 2-3 months), while IgG antibodies indicate past exposure and immunity. Getting tested is especially important if you've been in Australia's endemic areas like coastal regions or river valleys, or if you're experiencing unexplained joint pain and fatigue after mosquito exposure. While there's no specific cure, knowing you have Ross River Virus helps your healthcare provider manage your symptoms properly and gives you the reassurance that, though uncomfortable, your symptoms will eventually resolve.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Joint pain in multiple locations Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest Joint pain that moves from joint to joint Recent travel to developing countries Fever of unknown origin

Purpose

Essential for individuals with unexplained joint pain and fatigue, those living in or visiting Ross River Virus endemic areas, people with symptoms following mosquito exposure, or anyone needing to rule out this infection as a cause of persistent symptoms.

How to prepare

No special preparation required - no fasting needed. Best tested during acute phase of illness or within 2-3 months of symptom onset for optimal IgM detection. Inform healthcare provider about recent travel, mosquito exposure, outdoor activities, and timeline of symptom development for accurate interpretation.

Understanding results

IgM positive indicates recent or current infection (within 2-3 months); IgG positive shows past infection and immunity; Both positive suggests recent infection with developing immunity; Both negative rules out Ross River Virus if tested at appropriate time. Results interpreted with symptom timeline and clinical presentation.

After the test

Currently no specific antiviral treatment available. Focus on symptom management with anti-inflammatory medications, rest, gentle exercise as tolerated, and supportive care. Avoid aspirin in children. Most people recover within 3-6 months, though some may have prolonged symptoms. Prevention involves mosquito control and personal protection measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • IgM antibodies typically appear 5-7 days after symptom onset and remain detectable for 2-3 months. IgG antibodies develop later and provide long-term immunity.
  • There's no specific cure, but the infection is generally self-limiting. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care.
  • Yes, infection generally provides lifelong immunity. Re-infection is extremely rare, though other similar viruses like Barmah Forest Virus can cause similar symptoms.
  • Only through mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes. It cannot spread person-to-person, through food, water, or casual contact.
  • Both cause similar symptoms, but Ross River Virus is more common and tends to cause more severe joint symptoms. Testing can distinguish between them.
  • Test during acute illness or within 2-3 months of symptom onset for best chance of detecting IgM antibodies indicating recent infection.
Ross River Virus Serology (RRV)

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What to expect

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1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

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3
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