Four dengue cases confirmed in Far North
FEARS of another dengue fever epidemic in Cairns are spreading, with four local people yesterday confirmed to have fallen victim to the mosquito-borne disease.
Queensland Health revealed four Parramatta Park residents are suffering from type 2 dengue fever, with a further dozen people also expected to test positive once results become available.
Authorities are bracing for another outbreak, with the city’s largest dengue fever epidemic in 50 years in 2008 still fresh in their minds.
Queensland Health medical director Jeffrey Hanna yesterday said the outbreak could have a "significant impact" on the region, and particularly held concerns for those previously diagnosed with dengue fever.
"The concern is having a second bout of dengue," he said.
"If you've had dengue once, and have it again, that means inevitably it's a different strain. A second attack of dengue fever might, in a small percentage of people, be the trigger for severe complications."
The symptoms of all four strains of dengue fever can include sudden fever and severe headaches, joint and muscle aches, rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dr Hanna said while dengue fever deaths were possible, he did not expect this year's outbreak to be as critical as the epidemic two years ago in which an elderly woman died and a further 900 people were struck by the illness.
"That area (Parramatta Park) was heavily affected - indeed hammered - by the dengue three strain epidemic a couple of years ago," he said.
"It's the time of year we just do not like dengue to get a hold in Cairns or North Queensland."
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Long, hard battle: Queensland Health sector control officer Emma Peak checks for dengue mosquitoes in traps placed at Edge Hill. Picture: SEAN DAVEY
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