A mosquito-borne virus outbreak has Tasmanian health authorities moving to try to contain its spread.

Key points: Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, tiredness, rash (usually on the trunk or limbs), headaches, muscle pain, fever and chills

Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, tiredness, rash (usually on the trunk or limbs), headaches, muscle pain, fever and chills They usually start about seven to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito

They usually start about seven to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito Five confirmed cases in Tasmania, another two being investigated

People on the state's east coast in particular have been warned to protect themselves from mosquitoes after the confirmation of five cases of the Barmah Forest virus. Another two cases are being investigated.

Public health officials said while a small number of cases of the disease had been notified in Tasmania in the past — the current cases were the where authorities believed the disease had been acquired in Tasmania, rather than interstate.

The Barmah Forest virus is related to Ross River virus and causes a similar illness.

Outbreaks can occur when local conditions of rainfall, tides and temperature promote mosquito breeding.

Species could be same as Ross River carriers

Dr Faline Howes from Tasmania's Public Health Service said she suspected the Barmah virus would be here to stay.

Dr Howes said the five recent cases on the East Coast could be labelled an outbreak, but the cases had so far been confined to a small area of the coast.

"It seems to be a fairly well defined geographical area between Falmouth just south of Scamander to Diana's Basin, which is just south of St Helens," Dr Howes said.

"Anybody living in that area or traveling to that area are at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, so I would encourage everyone to take mosquito precautions."

Dr Howes said the mosquitoes carrying the virus lived around coastal salt marshes, and may be the same species that carries Ross River virus.

"Potentially over time we might see it spread right up and down the east coast of Tasmania, but at the moment it's very localised," she said.

Staff from Public Health Services and the University of Tasmania will begin mosquito trapping this weekend in a bid to contain the virus.

A number of traps will be set on the east coast in an attempt to confirm the presence of mosquito species known to carry the virus, and also to hopefully trap a mosquito carrying the virus for further research.

The public is being urged to stay away from mosquito-prone areas and be aware of the signs and symptoms of the virus.

To protect against mosquitoes and ticks:

• Avoid mosquito-infested areas, where possible • Cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved shirt and long pants when outside • Put mosquito repellent containing either DEET or picaridin on exposed skin • Take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk, and when outdoors or camping • Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors

People who think they have symptoms of Barmah Forest virus are being urged to visit their GP.

For further information call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.