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New dengue cases in Tully and Wongaling Beach
Tully and Wongaling Beach residents are being urged to protect themselves against dengue fever, following confirmation of four new locally-acquired dengue cases in the area.
Queensland Health today confirmed that one Wongaling Beach resident and three Tully residents were recently diagnosed with dengue.
It is very likely that these four new cases are part of the Tully outbreak, which was declared in late February this year, and has now affected seven local residents.
A dengue fever outbreak was also declared in Townsville last month, which to date has affected two local residents. However, the Tully and Townsville outbreaks are not linked in any way.
Dengue fever is spread by a species of mosquito, which breeds in and around homes and worksites.
Queensland Health Medical Director Dr Jeffrey Hanna said dengue fever causes sudden fever with headaches, which can be severe, muscle and joint pains, a rash and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“It’s important that people with dengue symptoms are seen by their doctor. This way we can target our mosquito control efforts and track the outbreak,” he said.
Dr Hanna said although north Queensland has had a relatively quiet dengue season so far, these new cases were a crucial reminder for local residents to take action now and not to become complacent.
“There is a large amount of people movement across north Queensland, including between Townsville and Cairns, where historically we have had frequent dengue outbreaks,” said Dr Hanna.
“With the recent rains and warm temperatures, I strongly urge all Tully and Wongaling Beach residents to take preventive steps.
“It is important that people — individuals as well as businesses — get rid of mosquito breeding sites around the yard and workplace.”
You can reduce the risk of Dengue breeding by:
once a week, residents should check their yard for mosquito breeding. Tip out, flush out, throw away or store dry any containers holding water in which mosquitoes can breed.
use indoor surface spray, mozzie zappers and coils around the house to kill and repel mosquitoes.
Dengue mozzie breeding sites include tyres, buckets, toys and pot plant bases. Residents should also ensure that roof gutters are not blocked and breeding mosquitoes.
“Dengue mosquitoes only breed around homes and in urban areas, and not in swamps or creeks,” said Dr Hanna.
“Therefore, I urge all Tully and Wongaling Beach residents to take immediate action to prevent further dengue cases.”
Dr Hanna said Queensland Health and Cassowary Coast Regional Council Officers are also currently conducting yard inspections in Tully and Wongaling Beach, and setting traps to kill dengue mosquitoes.
More information about dengue fever is available at ww.health.qld.gov.au/dengue
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