Victoria’s Department of Health executive director for communicable diseases Dr Bruce Bolam, said there had been 472 cases of Ross River virus across the state to the end of February.
In a typical year, about 200 cases are notified to the department.
In contrast, almost 2000 cases were notified in 2017 after widespread springtime flooding in late-2016 created massive mosquito breeding sites.
A viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, Ross River virus disease occurs throughout most regions of Australia, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions.
Dr Bolam said the early summer conditions, particularly in coastal areas, were conducive to mosquito breeding. There have been 30 cases reported in the Goulburn Valley.
The virus is passed between mosquitoes and certain animals, such as wallabies and kangaroos. Infected mosquitoes can then bite people, making them unwell.
Symptoms of Ross River virus can include fever, rash, headache, aching muscles and/or joints and fatigue. People experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention from their GP.
Councils work routinely with the Department of Health to monitor and limit mosquito numbers.
“When mosquito numbers are high, and the lab detects virus in these mosquitoes, there might be an increased risk of acquiring Ross River virus in the coming days if the weather conditions are favourable,” Dr Bolam said.
“Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed, but they also prefer mild, calm, and more humid air to fly and bite.”
Dr Bolam said people could take simple steps to avoid bites and protect themselves and their family against mosquito-borne diseases.
“Victorian mosquitoes can be active throughout the day, but the peak period is often around the late afternoon and into the evening as well as around dawn and dusk,” he said.
“Everyone is encouraged to wear long, loose fitting clothes and use repellents containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin.”
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