Dengue alert issued for Erub (Darnley) Island, Torres Strait Islands

Health authorities have warned Torres Strait Island residents to be on alert after a new, locally acquired case of dengue fever was identified.

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Health authorities have warned Torres Strait Island residents to be on alert after a new, locally acquired case of dengue fever was identified.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the latest case of dengue fever had been identified on Erub (Darnley) Island.

Erub is the fourth island to experience dengue outbreaks so far this year, following previous outbreaks on Mer and Warraber islands in May and June, followed by Masig Island just last month.

They are the first cases detected in the Torres and Cape Health Service region since a single case in 2019.

“It’s obvious from the number of cases that the dengue fever virus is present in mosquito populations right across the Torres Strait and residents need to be very mindful of this going forward,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

Dengue fever is a viral infection which spreads from mosquitoes to people and usually results in a mild illness but in more severe cases, can be fatal.

Excluding the latest case on Erub, and possible suspected cases, 53 cases of dengue fever already have been recorded in the Torres Strait region so far this year.

Dr Hempenstall said a mosquito control team and public health staff would arrive on Erub Island on Wednesday, December 4 to help oversee mosquito control measures, identify further cases, and deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk and check for any further cases.

The teams would work with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives on Erub and a community meeting also would be held on Wednesday.

“However, public mosquito control measures and education campaigns can only do so much,’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“All residents of the Torres Strait, as well as the Northern Peninsula Area, and indeed across Cape York, also need to do their part and take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and protect themselves from mosquito bites.’’

Dr Hempenstall said while mosquitoes tended to be far more prevalent in normally wetter seasonal conditions between November and April, in the tropical north, they were active all year round.

“But no matter the time of year, our advice to local communities remains the same,’’ she said.

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

Originally published as Dengue alert issued for Erub (Darnley) Island, Torres Strait Islands