Australia: North Queensland dengue count nears 100, Innisfail records first case
The dengue fever outbreak in northern Queensland keeps inching higher as the new tally nears 100 cases, according to a Queensland Health update today.
Aedes aegypti Image/CDC
Six additional confirmed cases have been reported from Cairns bringing that city’s total to 76. One case has now been reported from Innisfail and the count from Port Douglas remains steady at 17, bringing the total in the area to 94 cases.
The Dengue Action Response Team (DART) and council officers are continuing to work with residents to control mosquitoes and minimise the risk of further cases.
Dengue control includes spraying insecticide and removing potential mosquito breeding sites such as water containers The products used by the DART to kill mosquitoes were chosen because of their effectiveness and minimal risk to humans and animals.
Residents are reminded that they play a major role in helping to manage dengue. They can help break the transmission of dengue fever in the area by cooperating with DART activities and following any advice the team members provide. They can also:
- Tip out any water that is pooled in things like pot plant bases, plastic containers or tarpaulins
- Store anything that can hold water in a dry place or undercover, including tyres, gardening equipment, toys, buckets, trailers or boats
- Throw out any rubbish lying around your yard like leaves in gutters, old palm fronds and unused containers or tyres
People in the areas affected who suspect that they or their child have symptoms of dengue fever should contact a GP straight away.
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