Dengue outbreak on Masig Island

The Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service is managing an outbreak of dengue fever on Masig Island in the Torres Strait.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the health service had identified three confirmed cases and one suspected case on Masig Island so far.

She said the Masig Island outbreak follows previous dengue fever outbreaks on Mer and Warraber islands in May and June this year.

A total of 46 cases of dengue fever already have been recorded in the health service region so far this year, excluding the latest Masig cases.

Prior to this year, the last previous dengue fever case across the health service region was in 2019, when one case was recorded.

Dr Hempenstall said a mosquito control team would arrive on Masig Island today (13 November) and a community meeting also would be held later today.

A public health team also will arrive on the island today (13 November) to help oversee the mosquito control program, and to deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk and check for any further cases.

“They will join with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives on Masig Island to undertake mosquito control measures and check for further cases,’’ she said.

“All our primary health care centres in the Torres Strait outer islands have rapid dengue diagnostic tests that can diagnose dengue in 15 minutes.’’

However, public mosquito control measures and education campaigns could 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,’’ she said.

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.