Dengue outbreak hits Mer Island, Torres Strait in Far North Qld

An outbreak of dengue fever has hit a remote Queensland island, marking the first cases detected in five years.

Four cases of dengue fever have been detected in the Torres Strait.

An “outbreak” of dengue fever has hit a remote Queensland island, marking the first cases detected in five years.

Four cases of dengue fever have so far been detected on Mer Island in the Torres Strait, Far North Queensland.

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

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

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the cases had been identified among residents and recent visitors to the island.

She said a public health team would travel to the remote island on Monday to check for more cases and launch a mosquito control program.

“They will join with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives on Mer Island to undertake spraying of potential mosquito breeding sites,’’ she said.

“While mosquitoes tend to be far more prevalent in normally wetter seasonal conditions between November and April, in the tropical north, they are active all year round.

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

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

The symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases include pain in muscles and joints, rashes, headaches and fevers.

Dengue outbreaks occurred annually in Cairns until a long-running eradication program led to the region being declared practically dengue-free in 2019.

Originally published as Dengue outbreak hits Mer Island, Torres Strait in Far North Qld