A case of malaria has been identified in the Lakeland community, near Cooktown.
The Lakeland case was acquired overseas and is being managed appropriately. No further details can be provided due to confidentiality.
The community should be aware that malaria is treatable and there is no cause for community alarm.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease and is not transmitted directly from person to person. It is spread to people via the bite of particular types of mosquitoes.
Residents in the Lakeland area should be on alert for symptoms of malaria and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
The most common symptoms of malaria are high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.
If anyone exhibits any of these symptoms, they should seek advice and support from a healthcare professional or private GP at Cooktown or Mareeba or attend the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service.
Several effective drugs are available for treating malaria.
Early malaria can usually be easily treated whereas late, severe, or complicated malaria can be a life- threatening medical emergency.
Mosquito spraying and control measures are being undertaken in the Lakeland area.
But the very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases of any kind is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.
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 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.
For more details visit malaria on the Queensland Government website.