New dengue cases reported from Cairns, brings total to 70
Queensland Health is reporting 11 additional dengue fever cases from the city of Cairns in north Queensland bringing the total number to 70, according to an ABC News report today.
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In response to the 2 month old Cairns outbreak and the outbreak in Port Douglas, which remains unchanged at 17 cases, Queensland Health has started an intensive “Defend against Dengue” campaign.
The campaign involves television, radio and print advertisements providing advice for residents on how to prevent dengue and reduce the spread of the mosquito borne disease.
Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there may be 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. However, new research from the University of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust, using cartographic approaches, estimate there to be 390 million dengue infections per year worldwide.
There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHS) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
There is not a vaccine for dengue fever. There is no treatment for dengue, just treat the symptoms.
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