Tully dengue fever outbreak
BREAKING NEWS: A Tully resident has been diagnosed with the first locally acquired dengue fever case in Far North Queensland this season.
Queensland Health today confirmed that a local resident had been confirmed with the mosquito-borne disease, with the dengue type unknown at present.
It is the first known locally-acquired dengue fever case in Tully for at least two decades.
So far this wet season, there have been 13 locally-acquired cases in two separate outbreaks in Townsville.
In November, three Cairns residents caught dengue type 2 after travelling to Vietnam, Malaysia and India.
Queensland Health medical director Dr Jeffrey Hanna warned Tully residents to be on guard against the disease.
“Although we have had a quiet dengue season so far, this case is a crucial reminder for North Queensland residents to take action now,” he said.
“There is a large amount of people movement between Tully and the rest of North Queensland, including Townsville and Cairns where historically we have had regular dengue outbreaks.“With the recent rains and the warm temperatures, I strongly urge all Tully 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.”
Dr Hanna said the Dengue Action Response Team would be visiting Tully to undertake yard inspections and set traps to kill dengue mosquitoes.
“Dengue mosquitoes only breed around homes and in urban areas, and not in swamps or creeks,” Dr Hanna said.
“Therefore, I urge all Tully residents to take immediate action to help prevent further dengue cases.”
Preventing dengue fever:- 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 discourage mosquitoes.
- Common 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.
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