Barmah Forest Virus Infection

First isolated in the Barmah State Forest near the Murray Valley in 1974, the virus has since been detected in most parts of mainland Australia, with Queensland being the main hotspot. On average, between 1500 and 2000 fresh cases are notified each year. Outbreaks are related to higher temperatures, high rainfall and flooding, and are more likely in La Nina years (VIC DoH 2015; Griffin 2015; WA DoH 2020).