Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service identify further malaria cases in Torres Strait

Following the detection of malaria case on Boigu Island earlier this month — the first since 2013 — further cases have been found on another Torres Strait Island.

Health authorities are saying the Cape community should not be alarmed despite the detection of malaria cases on two Torres Strait islands in the last month.

Three cases of malaria have been detected on Saibai Island, in the Torres Strait, following a case detected on Boigu Island in early July.

These are the first cases of malaria detected in the Torres Strait since 2013, when two cases were detected on Saibai Island.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the community should not be alarmed by the recent detections.

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

Residents of Boigu, Saibai, and all Torres Strait Islands should be on alert for symptoms of malaria and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Dr Hempenstall said the response had been a joint effort between the Torres and Cape HHS Public Health Unit, the Tropical Public Health Service in Cairns, staff at the Boigu and Saibai primary health care centres, and local councils.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Environmental Health Workers Ezra Kris from St Paul’s community on Moa Island and Jacob Akiba from Saibai Island join Senior Cluster Acting Supervisor Dawson Mau from Dauan Island to talk to a passing Saibai Island resident. Photo: Supplied

Residents of Boigu, Saibai, and all Torres Strait Islands should be on alert for symptoms of malaria and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

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. Picture: Shinji Kasai/AFP.

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

If anyone exhibits any of these symptoms, they should present immediately to their local primary healthcare centre.

The very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases of any kind is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

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Mosquito spraying and control measures have been undertaken on both Boigu and Saibai Islands, as well as door-to-door screening for symptoms.

Residents of Boigu and Saibai Islands, or those travelling to the islands

are recommended to take appropriate medication to prevent malaria and should discuss their individual circumstances with their local healthcare provider.

Originally published as Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service identify further malaria cases in Torres Strait