Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Ross River virus is an Alphavirus characterized by its double-strand DNA genome and is primarily endemic to regions of North America.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus is a single-strand positive-sense RNA Alphavirus, not double-strand DNA, and is primarily endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other South Pacific islands, not North America.
Ross River virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus and the family Flaviviridae, indicating its relation to Dengue virus.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus belongs to the genus Alphavirus and the family Togaviridae, not Flavivirus or Flaviviridae.
Alphaviruses are characterized as small, enveloped, single-strand positive-sense RNA viruses, meaning their genetic material can be directly translated into proteins.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alphaviruses are indeed characterized as small, enveloped, single-strand positive-sense RNA viruses, allowing their genetic material to be directly translated into proteins.
Ross River virus is classified within the 'New World' alphaviruses and the SF antigenic complex.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus is classified within the 'Old World' alphaviruses, not 'New World', and belongs to the SF antigenic complex.
RRV virions contain their genome within a protein capsid of 700 Angstroms and possess two glycoproteins, E1 and E2, embedded in a lipid envelope.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River virus virions are indeed characterized by a 700 Angstrom protein capsid containing their genome, along with two glycoproteins, E1 and E2, embedded in a lipid envelope.
Which of the following best describes Ross River virus (RRV) and its primary endemic regions?
Answer: A small, encapsulated, single-strand RNA Alphavirus endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other South Pacific islands.
Explanation: Ross River virus is a small, encapsulated, single-strand RNA Alphavirus primarily endemic to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other South Pacific islands.
To which taxonomic genus and family does Ross River virus belong?
Answer: Genus Alphavirus, Family Togaviridae.
Explanation: Ross River virus taxonomically belongs to the genus Alphavirus and the family Togaviridae.
What are the general characteristics of Alphaviruses, including Ross River virus?
Answer: Small, enveloped, single-strand positive-sense RNA viruses.
Explanation: Alphaviruses are characterized as small, enveloped, single-strand positive-sense RNA viruses.
What subgroup of Alphaviruses does RRV belong to, and what is its antigenic complex?
Answer: 'Old World' alphaviruses, SF antigenic complex.
Explanation: Ross River virus belongs to the 'Old World' alphaviruses and is classified within the SF antigenic complex.
What are the structural components of Ross River virus virions?
Answer: An RNA genome within a 700 Angstrom protein capsid, with two glycoproteins E1 and E2.
Explanation: Ross River virus virions contain their genome within a 700 Angstrom protein capsid and possess two glycoproteins, E1 and E2, embedded in a lipid envelope.
Ross River virus is suspected to be enzootic exclusively in populations of native Australian marsupials, with no evidence of it in other animals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus is enzootic in various native Australian mammals and occasionally found in horses. Antibodies have also been found in placental mammals and some bird species, indicating its presence beyond exclusively marsupial populations.
Ross River virus is considered an arbovirus because it primarily infects trees and other plant life.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus is considered an arbovirus because it is transmitted by arthropod vectors, specifically mosquitoes, not because it infects plant life.
Ross River virus was first found in India in 2010, indicating its spread beyond traditional endemic regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River virus was found in Pune, India, in 2010, indicating its geographical expansion beyond its traditional endemic regions in Australia and the South Pacific.
In rural Australia, small rodents are thought to be the primary natural reservoirs for Ross River virus.
Answer: False
Explanation: In rural and regional Australia, large marsupial mammals are thought to be the primary natural reservoirs for Ross River virus, not small rodents.
Antibodies to Ross River virus have been found exclusively in marsupial mammals, but not in placental mammals or birds.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antibodies to Ross River virus have been found in a wide variety of placental and marsupial mammals, as well as in a few bird species, not exclusively in marsupials.
The reservoir hosts for Ross River virus in metropolitan areas of Australia, such as Brisbane, are well understood.
Answer: False
Explanation: It is currently unknown what reservoir hosts support Ross River virus in metropolitan areas of Australia, such as Brisbane.
The *Aedes camptorhynchus* mosquito, a known RRV carrier, was discovered in Napier, New Zealand, in 1998 and remains present.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Aedes camptorhynchus* mosquito was discovered in Napier, New Zealand, in 1998 but was declared completely eradicated from New Zealand in July 2010.
As of September 2006, there has never been a reported case of Ross River virus acquired within New Zealand.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of September 2006, there had been no reported cases of Ross River virus acquired within New Zealand, despite the presence of a known vector species.
Inland Australia, *Aedes* mosquitoes are the primary carriers of RRV year-round, while *Culex annulirostris* is prominent during wet seasons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Inland Australia, *Culex annulirostris* is the primary carrier of RRV, with *Aedes* mosquitoes becoming active during wet seasons, which is the reverse of the statement.
Residential development near wetlands in Western Australia is a concern for RRV transmission due to increased mosquito breeding.
Answer: True
Explanation: Residential development occurring closer to wetlands in Western Australia is a concern for RRV transmission because wetlands are known mosquito breeding sites, increasing the risk to residents.
A study near Muddy Lakes in Western Australia showed a consistent decrease in mosquito density with increasing distance from the wetlands.
Answer: False
Explanation: While mosquito density generally decreased with distance from Muddy Lakes, there was an anomaly with a rise in mosquito numbers at the two-kilometer buffer zone, indicating it was not a consistent decrease.
An outbreak in Leschenault and Capel-Busselton in 1995-96 showed an elevated risk of RRV for those living close to the Leschenault Estuary.
Answer: True
Explanation: Data from the 1995-96 outbreak in Leschenault and Capel-Busselton showed an elevated risk of contracting RRV for those living in close proximity to the Leschenault Estuary, with the strongest risk gradient within two kilometers.
A study in tropical Australia found that exposure to bromeliad plants decreased an individual's risk for Ross River virus.
Answer: False
Explanation: A study in tropical Australia identified exposure to bromeliad plants as a factor that *increases* an individual's risk for Ross River virus, not decreases it.
Captive populations of tammar wallabies and wallaroos in urban New South Wales have shown RRV antibodies and are considered potential reservoirs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Captive populations of tammar wallabies and wallaroos in urban New South Wales have indeed shown Ross River virus antibodies and are considered potential reservoirs for the virus.
Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, with nearly 5000 people infected annually.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, with approximately 5000 people reported to be infected each year.
In which animal populations is Ross River virus suspected to be enzootic?
Answer: In populations of various native Australian mammals and occasionally in horses.
Explanation: Ross River virus is suspected to be enzootic in various native Australian mammals and has also been occasionally found in horses.
Why is Ross River virus considered an arbovirus?
Answer: Because it is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Explanation: Ross River virus is considered an arbovirus because it is transmitted by arthropod vectors, specifically mosquitoes.
When was Ross River virus found in India, and what is a key recommendation for infection?
Answer: 2010; hydration and immediate doctor consultation.
Explanation: Ross River virus was found in Pune, India, in 2010. Key recommendations for infection include hydration and immediate consultation with a doctor.
What are the natural reservoirs thought to support the continued prevalence of Ross River virus in rural and regional Australia?
Answer: Large marsupial mammals.
Explanation: Large marsupial mammals are thought to serve as natural reservoirs, supporting the continued prevalence of Ross River virus in rural and regional Australia.
In which animal groups have antibodies to Ross River virus been found?
Answer: In a wide variety of placental and marsupial mammals, and a few bird species.
Explanation: Antibodies to Ross River virus have been detected in a wide variety of placental and marsupial mammals, as well as in some bird species.
Which mosquito species, known to carry RRV, was discovered in Napier, New Zealand, in 1998 and later eradicated?
Answer: *Aedes camptorhynchus*.
Explanation: The southern saltmarsh mosquito, *Aedes camptorhynchus*, a known RRV carrier, was discovered in Napier, New Zealand, in 1998 and subsequently eradicated by July 2010.
As of September 2006, what was the status of Ross River virus cases acquired within New Zealand?
Answer: No reported cases of local acquisition.
Explanation: As of September 2006, there had been no reported cases of Ross River virus acquired within New Zealand.
Which mosquito species is the primary RRV carrier inland in Australia, with *Aedes* mosquitoes becoming active during wet seasons?
Answer: *Culex annulirostris*.
Explanation: Inland Australia, the *Culex annulirostris* mosquito is the primary carrier of RRV, with *Aedes* mosquitoes becoming active during wet seasons.
What trend in Western Australia is a concern for RRV transmission?
Answer: Residential development occurring closer to wetlands.
Explanation: Residential development occurring closer to wetlands in Western Australia is a concern for RRV transmission due to increased mosquito breeding habitats in these areas.
What did a study comparing RRV risk and distance from Muddy Lakes in Western Australia reveal about mosquito populations?
Answer: Mosquito density generally decreased with distance, but an anomaly showed a rise at the two-kilometer buffer zone.
Explanation: A study near Muddy Lakes showed that while mosquito density generally decreased with distance from wetlands, there was an anomaly with a significant rise in mosquito numbers at the two-kilometer buffer zone.
What was the outcome of a similar study conducted in the Peel region regarding mosquito distribution?
Answer: A trend of fewer mosquitoes the further away the buffer distance from breeding habitats.
Explanation: A study in the Peel region reinforced the general trend that mosquito populations decrease with increasing distance from breeding habitats.
What factors were identified in a tropical Australia study as increasing an individual's risk for Ross River virus?
Answer: Increasing frequency of camping, and exposure to kangaroos, wallabies, and bromeliad plants.
Explanation: A study in tropical Australia identified increasing frequency of camping and exposure to kangaroos, wallabies, and bromeliad plants as factors that increase an individual's risk for Ross River virus.
Which specific marsupials in urban areas of New South Wales have shown Ross River virus antibodies and are considered potential reservoirs?
Answer: Tammar wallabies and wallaroos.
Explanation: Captive populations of tammar wallabies and wallaroos in urban New South Wales have shown RRV antibodies and are considered potential reservoirs.
How common is Ross River fever in Australia, and what is the annual infection rate?
Answer: It is the most common mosquito-borne disease, with nearly 5000 people infected each year.
Explanation: Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Australia, with approximately 5000 people reported to be infected annually.
Ross River fever was historically known as 'epidemic polyarthritis' due to its prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River fever was indeed previously known as 'epidemic polyarthritis,' a term coined after outbreaks of arthralgia and arthritis in 1943.
There is a known cure for Ross River fever, and symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks without recurrence.
Answer: False
Explanation: There is no known cure for Ross River fever, and symptoms can persist for up to 35 years, manifesting with painful recurrences multiple times per year.
Lab research on RRV using a mouse model shows that mice deficient in the C3 protein suffer from more severe disease.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lab research on RRV using a mouse model shows that mice deficient in the C3 protein do *not* suffer from severe disease, suggesting C3 contributes to inflammatory tissue destruction, rather than mitigating it.
The most common symptoms of Ross River virus infection in humans include arthritis or joint pain, a rash on the limbs, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The most common symptoms of Ross River virus infection in humans include arthritis or joint pain, a rash on the limbs (typically 10 days after arthritis onset), and enlarged lymph nodes.
A feeling of 'pins and needles' (paresthesia) in the hands and feet is a common symptom of Ross River virus infection.
Answer: False
Explanation: A feeling of 'pins and needles' (paresthesia) in the hands and feet is a less common symptom of Ross River virus infection, occurring in only a small number of people.
Ross River virus typically causes severe, life-threatening symptoms in horses.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus causes moderate symptoms in horses, not severe, life-threatening ones.
Ross River fever is also known as Ross River virus infection or Ross River virus disease.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River fever is indeed also known as Ross River virus infection or Ross River virus disease, with these terms being used interchangeably.
What disease does Ross River virus cause, and what was its previous name?
Answer: Ross River fever, previously known as 'epidemic polyarthritis'.
Explanation: Ross River virus causes Ross River fever, which was previously known as 'epidemic polyarthritis'.
What are the long-term effects of Ross River fever as described in the source?
Answer: Persistent symptoms for up to 35 years, manifesting with painful remainders multiple times per year.
Explanation: The source indicates that Ross River fever can persist for up to 35 years, with painful recurrences two or three times annually.
What does the mouse model for Ross River virus research show regarding the C3 serum component?
Answer: Mice deficient in C3 do not suffer from severe disease, suggesting C3 contributes to inflammatory tissue destruction.
Explanation: Research using a mouse model indicates that mice deficient in the C3 protein do not suffer from severe RRV-induced disease, suggesting C3 contributes to inflammatory tissue destruction.
What are the most common symptoms of Ross River virus infection in humans?
Answer: Arthritis or joint pain, a rash on the limbs, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Explanation: The most common symptoms of Ross River virus infection in humans include arthritis or joint pain, a rash on the limbs, and enlarged lymph nodes.
What less common symptom can occur with Ross River virus infection?
Answer: A feeling of 'pins and needles' (paresthesia) in the hands and feet.
Explanation: A less common symptom that can occur with Ross River virus infection is a feeling of 'pins and needles' (paresthesia) in the hands and feet.
What symptoms does Ross River virus cause in horses?
Answer: Moderate symptoms.
Explanation: Ross River virus causes moderate symptoms in horses.
What are other names for Ross River fever?
Answer: Ross River virus infection or Ross River virus disease.
Explanation: Ross River fever is also known as Ross River virus infection or Ross River virus disease.
The first recorded outbreak of acute febrile arthritis, later linked to RRV, occurred in 1943 in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and the Schouten Islands.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first recorded outbreak of acute febrile arthritis, later linked to RRV, occurred in 1928 in Narrandera and Hay, New South Wales, Australia. The 1943 outbreaks led to the coining of 'epidemic polyarthritis'.
The term 'epidemic polyarthritis' was coined after outbreaks of arthralgia and arthritis in 1943 in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and the Schouten Islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'epidemic polyarthritis' was indeed coined following outbreaks of arthralgia and arthritis described in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and the Schouten Islands in 1943.
The 1956 Murray Valley epidemic of the Australian disease appeared to progress in a more severe fashion than cases caused by the Chikungunya virus.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Australian disease in the 1956 Murray Valley epidemic appeared to progress in a milder fashion compared to cases caused by the Chikungunya virus.
Serological testing in 1956 suggested that a known species of flavivirus was the cause of the Australian disease.
Answer: False
Explanation: Serological testing in 1956 suggested that an unknown new species of alphavirus, a group A arbovirus, was the likely cause of the Australian disease, not a known flavivirus.
The 'Sagiyama virus', recovered from mosquitoes in Japan in the 1950s, is now considered a distinct species from Ross River virus.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Sagiyama virus', recovered from mosquitoes in Japan in the 1950s, is now considered conspecific with Ross River virus, meaning they are the same species.
Ross River virus was first identified and named in 1959 from an *Aedes vigilax* mosquito trapped in the Ross River, Townsville, Australia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ross River virus was indeed first identified and named in 1959 from an *Aedes vigilax* mosquito trapped in the Ross River, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
The link between the newly identified virus and 'epidemic polyarthritis' was established in 1959 through patient antibody development.
Answer: True
Explanation: The link between the newly identified virus and 'epidemic polyarthritis' was established in 1959 when serological testing showed that patients with 'epidemic polyarthritis' had developed antibodies to the new virus.
The Ross River virus itself was first isolated in 1972 from a human serum sample, and the patient exhibited severe arthritis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ross River virus itself was first isolated in 1972 from a human serum sample, but the patient, an Aboriginal boy, had a fever and rash but did not exhibit arthritis.
The largest-ever outbreak of Ross River virus occurred in the Western Pacific during 1979-1980, affecting several island nations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The largest-ever outbreak of Ross River virus occurred in the western Pacific during 1979-1980, affecting Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia.
Ross River virus is named after the scientist who first isolated it in a laboratory.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ross River virus is named after the Ross River in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, where the virus was first identified from a mosquito sample, not after a scientist.
When and where was the first recorded outbreak of acute febrile arthritis, later linked to RRV?
Answer: 1928 in Narrandera and Hay, New South Wales, Australia.
Explanation: The first recorded outbreak of acute febrile arthritis, later linked to RRV, occurred in 1928 in Narrandera and Hay, New South Wales, Australia.
What term was coined for the disease after outbreaks in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and the Schouten Islands in 1943?
Answer: Epidemic polyarthritis.
Explanation: The term 'epidemic polyarthritis' was coined after outbreaks of arthralgia and arthritis in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and the Schouten Islands in 1943.
How did the 1956 Murray Valley epidemic compare to cases caused by the Chikungunya virus?
Answer: The Australian disease appeared to progress in a milder fashion.
Explanation: The Australian disease in the 1956 Murray Valley epidemic appeared to progress in a milder fashion compared to cases caused by the Chikungunya virus.
What did serological testing suggest about the cause of the Australian disease in 1956?
Answer: It was caused by an unknown new species of alphavirus, a group A arbovirus.
Explanation: Serological testing in 1956 suggested that an unknown new species of alphavirus, a group A arbovirus, was the likely cause of the Australian disease.
What was the 'Sagiyama virus' and its relationship to Ross River virus?
Answer: A virus recovered from mosquitoes in Japan, now considered conspecific with Ross River virus.
Explanation: The 'Sagiyama virus', recovered from mosquitoes in Japan in the 1950s, is now considered conspecific with Ross River virus, meaning they are the same species.
When and where was Ross River virus first identified and named?
Answer: 1959 in the Ross River, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Explanation: Ross River virus was first identified and named in 1959 from an *Aedes vigilax* mosquito trapped in the Ross River, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
How was the link between the newly identified virus and 'epidemic polyarthritis' established in 1959?
Answer: Serological testing showed patients with 'epidemic polyarthritis' had developed antibodies to the new virus.
Explanation: The link was established in 1959 through serological testing, which demonstrated that patients with 'epidemic polyarthritis' had developed antibodies to the newly identified virus.
What was notable about the human serum sample used for the first RRV isolation in 1972?
Answer: It was from an Aboriginal boy who had a fever and rash but no arthritis.
Explanation: The human serum sample used for the first RRV isolation in 1972 was from an Aboriginal boy who presented with fever and rash but notably did not exhibit arthritis.
Where did the largest-ever outbreak of Ross River virus occur in 1979-1980?
Answer: The western Pacific, affecting Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia.
Explanation: The largest-ever outbreak of Ross River virus occurred in the western Pacific during 1979-1980, impacting Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia.
Why is Ross River virus named after the Ross River in Townsville?
Answer: It was the location where the virus was first identified.
Explanation: Ross River virus is named after the Ross River in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, because it was the specific geographical location where the virus was first identified.
Wearing dark-colored clothing is recommended to decrease the risk of Ross River virus infection.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wearing light-colored clothing is recommended to decrease the risk of Ross River virus infection, as it can reduce risk three-fold, not dark-colored clothing.
Removing potential mosquito breeding areas, such as open water containers, is a recommended household prevention mechanism for RRV.
Answer: True
Explanation: Removing potential mosquito breeding areas, such as open water containers or water-holding plants, is a recommended household prevention mechanism to minimize Ross River virus risk.
The incubation period for Ross River virus is typically 3 to 5 days, and diagnosis is primarily through physical examination.
Answer: False
Explanation: The incubation period for Ross River virus is typically 3 days to 3 weeks (usually 1-2 weeks), and diagnosis is primarily through blood tests (serology), not physical examination.
Testing for Ross River virus should be considered in patients with acute polyarthritis, tiredness, and/or rashes, especially with a history of travel to endemic areas.
Answer: True
Explanation: Testing for Ross River virus should be considered in patients presenting with acute polyarthritis, tiredness, and/or rashes, particularly if they have a history of travel to areas where the virus is endemic.
A definitive diagnosis of Ross River virus requires a single serology test showing the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.
Answer: False
Explanation: A single serology test showing IgM antibodies is considered a presumptive positive diagnosis, but a definitive diagnosis requires a second serology test 10-14 days later showing a four-fold increase in IgM antibody count, due to potential false positives.
What are key behavioral mechanisms for preventing Ross River virus infection, especially in tropical areas?
Answer: Rigorous use of insect repellent, burning citronella candles, and wearing light-colored clothing.
Explanation: Key behavioral mechanisms for preventing Ross River virus infection include rigorous use of insect repellent, burning citronella candles, and wearing light-colored clothing.
What household prevention mechanisms are recommended to minimize RRV risk in high-risk areas?
Answer: Fitting screens to windows and doors and removing potential mosquito breeding areas.
Explanation: Recommended household prevention mechanisms for RRV include fitting screens to windows and doors and removing potential mosquito breeding areas like open water containers.
What is the typical incubation period for Ross River virus, and how is it diagnosed?
Answer: 3 days to 3 weeks (usually 1-2 weeks); diagnosed by a blood test.
Explanation: The typical incubation period for Ross River virus is 3 days to 3 weeks (usually 1-2 weeks), and it is diagnosed by a blood test (serology).
When should testing for Ross River virus be considered?
Answer: In patients experiencing acute polyarthritis, tiredness, and/or rashes, especially with a history of travel to endemic areas.
Explanation: Testing for Ross River virus should be considered in patients presenting with acute polyarthritis, tiredness, and/or rashes, particularly with a history of travel to endemic areas.
What is the appropriate method for diagnosing Ross River virus, and what is the significance of Immunoglobulin M (IgM)?
Answer: Serology (blood tests); IgM produced within seven days is a presumptive positive diagnosis.
Explanation: Serology (blood tests) is the appropriate method for diagnosing Ross River virus, with IgM produced within seven days of infection considered a presumptive positive diagnosis.
What can cause false positives in IgM testing for Ross River virus, and how is a definitive diagnosis made?
Answer: Other conditions like Barmah Forest virus or rubella; a second serology test with a four-fold IgM increase 10-14 days later is definitive.
Explanation: False positives in IgM testing can be caused by other conditions like Barmah Forest virus or rubella. A definitive diagnosis requires a second serology test 10-14 days later showing a four-fold IgM increase.