Cairns has recorded its first case of dengue fever in almost a decade, health officials warn

Cairns has recorded its first case of dengue fever in almost a decade, breaking a stretch without community transmission of the mosquito-borne virus in Far North Queensland.

Health officials have revealed that a dengue fever case has been confirmed in FNQ. Picture: Valery Hache/AFP

Cairns has recorded its first case of dengue fever in almost a decade, breaking a stretch without community transmission of the mosquito-borne virus in Far North Queensland.

Health authorities have confirmed a patient from the Cairns and hinterland region recently contracted the virus without travelling outside the area, marking the first local transmission since 2018.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service public health director Dr Jacqui Murdoch said the patient was currently in a stable condition and being treated at home.

“We are looking into how they may have become infected,” Dr Murdoch said.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Tropical Public Health Service director Dr Jacqui Murdoch. Picture: Supplied

“Our team is spraying mosquitoes in the area where the patient lives, and examining whether we need to spray any other areas where the person may have visited during the infection period.”

Dr Murdoch said due to high numbers of mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria in the Cairns region, there was low risk to the public.

Since 2011, the region has benefited from the World Mosquito Program’s release of mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria which prevents Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from transmitting dengue to humans.

The program has helped eliminate local dengue transmission in the past seven years, with recent cases linked only to overseas or interstate travel.

To protect against bites, health authorities recommend wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. Picture: Apu Gomes/AFP

Despite the low public risk, Dr Murdoch urged residents to remain vigilant and warned that other mosquito-borne diseases were still present in the region.

“Dengue fever is just one of many infections carried by mosquitoes in our part of the world,” she said.

“There are also other diseases people need to be wary of, such as Ross River virus, malaria, Barmah Forest virus, and chikungunya.”

Symptoms from mosquito-borne diseases can range from mild to severe, and prevention remains key.

To protect against bites, health authorities recommend wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors.

In addition, use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, sleep under mosquito nets when camping, and use mosquito coils or other deterrents when outside.

Dr Murdoch also reminded residents that mosquitoes breed at homes, particularly during the wet season.

“To help reduce mosquito populations, regularly empty standing water from containers like pot plant trays, buckets or old tyres,” she said.

“Keep rain gutters clear to prevent water build-up.”

Originally published as Cairns has recorded its first case of dengue fever in almost a decade, health officials warn