Queensland Health is concerned about a rise seen in recent Ross River fever cases.

Frank Beard, senior medical officer, said cases reported are not much but the amount of rainfall levels, with 381.8mm having fallen in Maroochydore since March 1, is a cause of concern.

He said, “Ross River figures jumped a couple of weeks ago, but they are still overall below the year to date for the region. The biggest months of the year for the disease are March and April. The rain may increase numbers and we haven’t had a bad year, but we do have concerns.”

According to Beard, three types of mosquito on the Coast were capable of transmitting the disease. An effort should be made to remain indoors.

A council spokesperson informed that mosquito control programs were carried out because mosquito eradication was possible but even if the money spent was tripled, getting rid of mosquitoes was not possible.

New ways to deal with mosquito numbers, especially in the hinterland, were being studied by the council.