Mosquitoes on the Gold Coast: Ross River virus and bite prevention

Health advice ·Published 17 October 2026 ·Reviewed 17 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in Queensland. Cases usually start rising in December, and most Ross River virus cases occur between February and May. Ross River virus causes painful joints, a rash, fever and tiredness that can last for weeks. There’s no vaccine or specific treatment, so the best protection is avoiding bites: use a repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, cover up, and empty anything around your home that holds water.

On the Gold Coast, mosquitoes breed in saltmarshes after high tides and in fresh water after rain, so it pays to be prepared all summer.

Ross River virus

Queensland records hundreds to thousands of Ross River virus cases a year, depending on the weather. Queensland Health reported more than 2,000 cases in 2024, several times more than in 2023.

Symptoms usually start 3 to 11 days after a bite from an infected mosquito, and can include:

• pain and swelling in several joints;
• a raised red rash, mainly on the body, arms and legs;
• fever, tiredness and muscle aches.

Joint pain usually lasts 2 to 6 weeks, and the rash 1 to 10 days. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some have joint pain and tiredness for months. Some people, especially children, have no symptoms at all.

There’s no specific treatment. Rest, gentle exercise and pain relief can help while you recover. Ask our pharmacists which pain relief suits you, and always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Barmah Forest virus

Barmah Forest virus is spread the same way and causes similar symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, painful and swollen joints, muscle tenderness and rashes. Some people have joint pain and tiredness for up to six months. Like Ross River virus, there’s no specific treatment.

What about dengue and Japanese encephalitis?

• Dengue. In Queensland, dengue outbreaks happen in the north and centre of the state, where the dengue mosquito lives. Local outbreaks usually start when a traveller brings the virus home from overseas. If you develop a fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, or muscle and joint pain after a trip to Bali, Thailand or elsewhere in Asia, see a doctor straight away and mention your travel.
• Japanese encephalitis (JE). JE has been found in parts of Queensland, and most people who catch it have no symptoms. Queensland’s free JE vaccine program covers listed council areas and higher-risk jobs, and the Gold Coast isn’t one of the listed areas. Travellers heading to Asia can pay for the vaccine, which we give at Pacific Fair. See our travel health page.

How do I avoid mosquito bites?

Queensland Health recommends:

• Use a repellent, preferably one containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, on all exposed skin. Reapply it as the label directs.
• Cover up with loose, light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, long pants and covered shoes, especially outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Screen your home. Keep insect screens on doors and windows, and use mosquito nets where there aren’t any, particularly over beds.
• Stop them breeding. Regularly empty and wipe out anything that holds water, such as buckets, vases, pot plant bases and old tyres. The City of Gold Coast suggests doing this at least once a week, and keeping gutters clear so they drain freely.

A few more tips:

• If you’re wearing sunscreen too, put the sunscreen on first and the repellent on top.
• Natural or homemade repellents give limited protection, and wristbands and patches aren’t recommended.
• DEET and picaridin repellents are safe to use in pregnancy when used as the label directs.

Protecting babies and children

• Repellent isn’t recommended for babies under 3 months. Use mosquito nets over prams and cots instead.
• Don’t let children under 5 apply repellent themselves. Put it on your hands first, then apply it to them.

Our pharmacists can help you choose a repellent that suits your family. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Treating itchy mosquito bites

Most bites just itch for a few days. Try not to scratch, which can break the skin and let infection in. A cold compress can ease the itch, and our pharmacists can suggest creams or other products to soothe it. See a doctor if a bite becomes very red, swollen, hot or painful, or weeps pus, which can be signs of infection.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

See a GP if you develop a fever, rash, headache, or muscle or joint pain in the weeks after mosquito bites or overseas travel. Only a blood test can tell whether your illness is caused by a mosquito-borne virus. The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, can see you and arrange tests, and the QML Pathology collection room is inside Help Medical too.

Go to an emergency department or call 000 if someone has a sudden high fever, a severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, drowsiness, weakness or paralysis, seizures or trouble staying awake. For health advice any time in Queensland, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Frequently asked questions

When is mosquito season on the Gold Coast?

Mosquito-borne illness usually increases from December, most Ross River virus cases occur between February and May, and outbreaks often follow heavy rain or very high tides. On the Gold Coast, very high tides flood the saltmarshes almost every month, which triggers mosquito breeding, and the City of Gold Coast runs a mosquito control program.

Which mosquito repellent works best?

Queensland Health recommends repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Ask our pharmacists to help you choose one for your family, and follow the directions on the label.

Is there a vaccine for Ross River virus?

No. There’s no vaccine or specific treatment, so avoiding bites is the best protection.

Can I catch Ross River virus from another person?

No. It’s spread by mosquito bites, not from person to person.

Do I need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine if I live on the Gold Coast?

It isn’t free for Gold Coast residents unless you work in a higher-risk job or will spend time in one of the listed areas. Travellers to parts of Asia may benefit from it; ask us or see our vaccinations for Bali guide.

Heading outdoors this summer? Pick up repellent and bite relief at Pacific Fair, and ask our pharmacists for advice. No appointment needed.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.