Dengue flare-up zapped for now

CAIRNS’ dengue fever outbreak has been declared over, but with the wet season around the corner that could be shortlived.

It has been three months since the last locally acquired case of dengue was reported to Queensland Health.

There have been only five locally acquired cases, despite 72 imported cases of the mosquito-borne disease.

Dr Richard Gair, the Cairns director of Tropical Public Health Services, said the low number of locally acquired dengue cases was most likely due to the Eliminate Dengue program.

The world-first scientific study has been introducing bacteria-carrying mosquitoes to many suburbs in Cairns.

Dr Gair said there had also been pre-season preventive work from the Dengue Action Response Team in targeting high-risk areas.

“When locally acquired cases occur it is always as a result of a previously imported case,” he said.

“This year’s dengue season was very contained in a handful of locations and we have our community and public health team to thank for that.”

SWAT Mosquito Unit operator Cole Smith, who used to work for Queensland Health, said mosquito populations had been increasing in the past three weeks due to the infrequent rainfall on the north- ern beaches, and Edge HillWhitfield and Redlynch areas.

He said an imported case of dengue could easily trigger another outbreak.

“The mozzie numbers alone are not an indication of an imminent outbreak, because you need that input,” he said.

He urged residents to take precautions against mosquitoes, such as using personal repellent and safeguarding their homes with sprays and protective screens in the leadup to the wet season.

Dr Gair said preventive and education work for next year’s season had already begun, but there were simple steps people could take to protect themselves from dengue.

“Make sure that any mosquito breeding sites such as containers are removed from homes and workplaces as it is much easier to prevent breeding sites from developing than it is to eradicate them once they are established,” he said.

“It is also important to use indoor surface spray inside the house to kill and repel mosquitoes, and also protect yourself and your family further by using personal insect repellent.”

Dengue fever causes fever with severe headaches, and muscle and joint pain.

Other symptoms may include a rash, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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