Cape and Torres Strait residents cautioned after confirmed malaria case

Cape York and Torres Strait residents on alert after one confirmed case of malaria on outer Torres Strait island.

A case of malaria has been detected in the Torres Strait following reports one person had contracted the disease.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service medical officer Allison Hempenstall confirmed one case had been detected on Boigu Island and the case was “being handled appropriately”.

“The community should be aware that malaria is treatable and there is no cause for community alarm,” Dr Hempenstall said.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease and is not transmitted from person to person. It is spread to people by the bite of particular types of mosquitoes.
“Early malaria can usually be easily treated whereas late, severe or complicated malaria can be a life-threatening medical emergency,” she said.

“In untreated or incompletely treated people, some malaria parasites may persist and cause recurrent symptoms for years.”

Dr Hempenstall said residents of Boigu Island and the Torres Strait Islands should be on alert for symptoms and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

“The most common symptoms of malaria are high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.”

Dr Hempenstall urged anyone with symptoms to immediately present to their local primary healthcare centre.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service confirmed mosquito spraying was being undertaken on the island.

“All residents of Boigu, the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York can do their part and take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Dr Hempenstall said.

Originally published as Cape and Torres Strait residents cautioned after confirmed malaria case