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Ross River Virus Serology (RRV) Blood Test

$52.00 AUD

Experiencing joint pain, fatigue, fever, or rash after mosquito exposure, and wondering whether Ross River Virus could be the cause?

The Ross River Virus Serology Blood Test checks for IgM and IgG antibodies against Ross River Virus, a mosquito-borne infection common across Australia. IgM antibodies suggest recent infection while IgG indicates past exposure, and results are used alongside symptoms and travel history to assess whether RRV may be the cause of joint pain, fatigue, or rash.

Collection Location
Specimen Type

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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How It Works

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1
Order a test

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Ross River Virus (RRV) is Australia's most common mosquito-borne illness. It causes a condition known as epidemic polyarthritis, with symptoms including joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, and sometimes a distinctive rash. Symptoms can persist for weeks to months.

RRV symptoms overlap with other conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, which can make the cause difficult to pin down without testing. This blood test looks for two types of antibodies: IgM antibodies, which typically appear within a week of symptoms and suggest recent infection, and IgG antibodies, which develop later and indicate past exposure.

Testing may be worth considering if you live in or have visited coastal or river valley areas of Australia and are experiencing unexplained joint pain, fatigue, or rash following mosquito exposure. There is no specific antiviral treatment for RRV, but a confirmed result helps your healthcare provider manage symptoms appropriately and rule out other causes.

Symptoms

Suited to people experiencing unexplained joint pain and fatigue, those living in or visiting RRV-endemic areas of Australia, people with symptoms following mosquito exposure, or anyone looking to rule out Ross River Virus as a cause of persistent symptoms.

Questions

  • IgM antibodies typically appear 5 to 7 days after symptom onset and remain detectable for 2 to 3 months. IgG antibodies develop later and can persist long-term.
  • There is no specific cure. The infection is generally self-limiting, and management focuses on symptom relief with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care.
  • Infection generally provides long-lasting immunity. Re-infection is uncommon, though related viruses like Barmah Forest Virus can cause similar symptoms.
  • Through bites from infected mosquitoes only. It does not spread person-to-person, through food, water, or casual contact.
  • Both cause similar symptoms, but Ross River Virus is more common and tends to produce more pronounced joint symptoms. Blood testing can distinguish between them.
  • During acute illness or within 2 to 3 months of symptom onset gives the best chance of picking up IgM antibodies that suggest recent infection.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Biomarker Tested

How to prepare

No fasting or special preparation needed. For the best chance of picking up IgM antibodies, testing during the acute phase or within 2 to 3 months of symptom onset is recommended. Let your healthcare provider know about recent travel, mosquito exposure, and when symptoms started.

After the test

There is no specific antiviral treatment for RRV. Symptom management typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and gentle movement as tolerated. Most people recover within 3 to 6 months, though some experience prolonged symptoms. Your healthcare provider can advise on the approach that suits your situation. Reducing mosquito exposure through repellents and protective clothing helps prevent future bites.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

IgM positive suggests recent or current infection (typically within the past 2 to 3 months). IgG positive suggests past exposure. Both positive may indicate recent infection with an emerging immune response. Both negative generally makes RRV unlikely if tested at an appropriate time. Your healthcare provider interprets results alongside your symptom timeline and clinical picture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

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