Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Two dengue fever cases confirmed in Qld
February 7, 2008 -
Two locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in north Queensland.
Queensland Health has confirmed two people at Mossman, near Port Douglas, have acquired the disease.
The most recent outbreak of dengue in the region was when 498 people were infected around Cairns between 1997 and 1999.
Dengue fever is transmitted by specific mosquitoes and found in tropical areas around the world.
There is no medical cure for the disease and no vaccine.
The serious form of the disease, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, can be fatal, especially in young children.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, rash, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue.
Queensland Health medical entomologist Dr Scott Ritchie said the cases should remind residents to get rid of mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
"If you stop the mosquito breeding, you can stop the disease," Dr Ritchie said.
Residents are advised to rid their homes of buckets, pot plants and blocked roof gutters that collect water, and to use mosquito repellants and sprays.
People who experience dengue symptoms are urged to see a doctor immediately.
http://news.theage.com.au/two-dengue-fever-cases-confirmed-in-qld/20080207-1qup.html
February 7, 2008 -
Two locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in north Queensland.
Queensland Health has confirmed two people at Mossman, near Port Douglas, have acquired the disease.
The most recent outbreak of dengue in the region was when 498 people were infected around Cairns between 1997 and 1999.
Dengue fever is transmitted by specific mosquitoes and found in tropical areas around the world.
There is no medical cure for the disease and no vaccine.
The serious form of the disease, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, can be fatal, especially in young children.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, rash, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue.
Queensland Health medical entomologist Dr Scott Ritchie said the cases should remind residents to get rid of mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
"If you stop the mosquito breeding, you can stop the disease," Dr Ritchie said.
Residents are advised to rid their homes of buckets, pot plants and blocked roof gutters that collect water, and to use mosquito repellants and sprays.
People who experience dengue symptoms are urged to see a doctor immediately.
http://news.theage.com.au/two-dengue-fever-cases-confirmed-in-qld/20080207-1qup.html