Summary
- Health authorities are warning all Torres Strait island residents to be on alert for mosquito-borne diseases with dengue fever virus continuing to occur across the region.
- Take steps to prevent infection.
Health authorities are warning all Torres Strait island residents to be on alert for mosquito-borne diseases with dengue fever virus continuing to occur across the region.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said a new, locally-acquired case of dengue fever had been identified on Erub (Darnley) Island.
Erub is the fourth island to experience dengue outbreaks so far this year, following previous outbreaks on Mer and Warraber islands in May and June, followed by Masig Island just last month.
Excluding the latest case on Erub, and possible suspected cases, 53 cases of dengue fever already have been recorded in the Torres Strait region so far this year.
The last previous dengue fever case across the entire health service region, including Cape York and the Northern Peninsula Area, was in 2019, when just one case was recorded.
“It’s obvious from the number of cases that the dengue fever virus is present in mosquito populations right across the Torres Strait and residents need to be very mindful of this going forward,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.
She said a mosquito control team and public health staff would arrive on Erub Island tomorrow (4 December) to help oversee mosquito control measures, identify further cases, and deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk and check for any further cases.
The teams would work with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives on Erub and a community meeting also would be held tomorrow (4 December), she said.
“However, public mosquito control measures and education campaigns can only do so much,’’, Dr Hempenstall said.
“All residents of the Torres Strait, as well as the Northern Peninsula Area, and indeed across Cape York, also need to do their part and take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and protect themselves from mosquito bites.’’
Personal protective measures include:
- Wear light-coloured clothing, (long-sleeved shirts and long pants wherever possible to cover exposed skin).
- Use personal insect repellent containing DEET (di-ethyl toluamide) or Picaridin. DEET and Picaridin are safe for use by pregnant women. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Repellents usually only protect against mosquito bites for up to four hours.
- Use long-lasting ‘surface’ or ‘cockroach’ insecticide spray in places where mosquitoes can hide.
- Use other mosquito protection devices such as electric zappers and mosquito coils.
- Install insect screens that are in good working order in your home and office. If not, sleep under a mosquito net day and night.
- Tip it, store it, throw it — tip out water from containers weekly, or dry store containers under cover and discard rubbish properly. Mosquitoes breed in containers that hold water.
- Remember, under the Public Health Act 2005, you can be fined by your local council if your home or yard promotes the breeding of mosquitoes.
Dr Hempenstall said while mosquitoes tended to be far more prevalent in normally wetter seasonal conditions between November and April, in the tropical north, they were active all year round.
“But no matter the time of year, our advice to local communities remains the same,’’ she said.
“The very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.’’
Infection with mosquito-borne diseases may cause illness ranging from mild to very serious. Illness may include flu-like symptoms such as:
- pain in muscles and joints
- rashes
- headaches
- fever.
“And remember, even mosquito bites that do not transmit diseases can be harmful,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.
“Bites can be very irritating and itchy, causing some people to scratch them until they break the skin, leading to secondary infection.’’
To prevent skin infections from mosquito bites:
- Try to avoid scratching the bite.
- Apply calamine lotion or another anti-pruritic preparation to bite areas to prevent itching,
- Keep affected limbs elevated,
- Wash hands before and after touching open wounds,
- Watch skin sores for signs of infection.
If the bite areas become inflamed, clean with soap and water at least once a day, apply an antiseptic lotion and keep covered with a dry dressing.
Application of a cool compress (i.e. icepack wrapped in cloth) also can reduce inflammation. If skin sores become hot, red, swollen, or painful, see your doctor immediately.
Learn more about how to prevent mosquito bites on the Queensland Government website.