Virus detected in Brisbane mosquitoes sparks fears of disease spread amid wet weather

Ross River virus has been detected in Brisbane mosquitoes following the week's wet weather period, prompting concerns cases of the fever could soon spread across Queensland's south-east.

The tropical disease was detected through a surveillance program tracking the mosquito-borne illness, that attracts mosquitoes with honey and then traps their saliva for testing.

Medical entomologist Jonathan Darbro said we're currently in peak mosquito season, with wet and hot weather providing ample conditions for the disease to spread.

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"With more heat mozzies develop faster and are more active and the virus develops quicker within the mozzie," Dr Darbro said.

"In Queensland most cases happen between February and April, it's obviously driven by mosquitoes so if there's more rain there's going to be more Ross River [fever]."

Mr Darbro added the statewide surveillance program had several advantages, allowing researchers to track the Ross River fever more quickly.

"To try and detect the transmission of Ross River fever before that spike of human cases occurs so we have time to put the message out there to tell people to protect themselves against mozzies," he said.

Cases of Ross River fever in south-east Queensland have grown from a handful to thousands, with fears the extra rain could cause another spike.

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Mr Darbro said Queenslanders can take precautions like wearing long sleeves and pants in mosquito prone areas to protect themselves.

Regularly using mosquito repellent and utilising screens on doors and windows will also protect your home.

Ross River fever currently has no specific treatment, and can result in several symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, aches and rash.

Recovered patient Stacey Denny said the illness was debilitating, diagnosed weeks after contracting the Ross River fever in western New South Wales.

"Extreme lethargy to begin with I was really nauseous, I was really off food," she said.

"And then one morning I woke up and I could not get out of bed, I had extreme pain in my left foot and I wasn't able to walk without crying," Ms Denny said.

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"When I went to the doctor he said nah it's not around here, you can't get Ross River Fever but turns out I did."

Ms Denny added she wasn't aware of the risks and symptoms of Ross River Fever until contracting the disease herself, but now she's extra cautious.

"Now I've done all the research and it's just really horrendous," she said.

"Bushman's is your best friend. It just takes one mozzie. Now I have Bushmans in my car, at the front door, prevention is key."