The number of Swan Hill locals infected by the mosquito-borne disease Ross River virus has jumped to more than 20 as the state experiences the worst outbreak in at least a decade.
Department of Health and Human Services data shows the 654 cases diagnosed in January this year is more than 20 times higher than the last outbreak in 2011.
In the equivalent January period, there were 32 notifications in 2011 with 1330 cases for the year.
The average number of Ross River virus cases each year is 252.
The number of outbreaks in Swan Hill between January 1 and February 7 was 21, compared to 13 in 2016, eight in 2015 and four in 2014.
Meanwhile, six people in Frankston and Casey, in Melbourne’s south-east, have been diagnosed with the virus.
Reports suggest it would be the first time the virus has been confirmed in the metropolitan area.
To read more of this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (February 13).
