QUEENSLAND health authorities have warned that the Ross River virus is at "very high" levels, as the disease has been detected in mosquitoes across the state.
"It's a very sudden uptick, a very sudden rise," said Queensland's chief health officer John Gerrard, who believes that "thousands" of people will likely be infected in the coming weeks.
So far, 31 cases have been found across the Brisbane, Wide Bay, Bundaberg, Banana, Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, Livingstone, Mackay, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions.
"It's very concerning that we're seeing a large number of detections this early in the season," said Gerrard.
Cases of the virus can be found throughout Australia, including more temperate southern states.
Travellers visiting areas affected by recent flooding or continuing rain should avoid mosquito bites, as no vaccine or antiviral treatment is available.
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