Dengue fever outbreak in Innisfail
Dengue fever has hit Innisfail, with the first locally-acquired case of the mosquito-borne disease confirmed by Queensland Health yesterday (26 February 2009).
Cassowary Coast Acting Mayor, Mark Nolan, urged residents in Innisfail and throughout the region to help contain the outbreak.
“We don’t want Dengue fever to spread further, so we need everyone’s assistance to prevent this from happening,” he aid.
“As the dengue mosquito does not fly very far, the easiest and most important thing people can do is check their own backyards, homes and work sites for potential mosquito breeding grounds,” he said.
The dengue mosquito is drawn to breeding in water-holding containers such as cans, buckets, jars, vases, pot plants, tyres, roof gutters and tarpaulins, as well as bromeliads and fallen palm fronds.
“It is important to check potential breeding sites every few days and tip out any water that has collected, which could be harbouring Dengue mosquito larvae,” Cr. Nolan advised.
Queensland Health teams arrived yesterday to begin treatment in the local area.
Residents who jeopardise the health of the community by ignoring requests to remove mosquito breeding sites on their properties risk on-the-spot fines of $400 from CCRC health officers, warns Cr. Nolan.
“We are appealing to residents to do the right thing, but fines will be issued if people disregard the warnings and risk the health of other residents by allowing mosquitoes to breed unchecked on their properties,” he said.
Common Dengue fever symptoms may include the onset of fever (lasting three to seven days), intense headache, muscle and joint pain, an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, flushed skin, a rash on the arms and legs, minor bleeding of nose and gums and extreme fatigue.
Cassowary Coast residents are urged to wear mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten and reduce the risk of becoming infected with Dengue. Wearing long, loose- fitting, light-coloured clothing can also boost protection.
As the dengue mosquito prefers to live (and bite) people indoors, the risk of infection can also be reduced by using plug-in insect zappers, screening bedrooms and living areas, and using insect surface spray in dark places where the insect likes to hide, such as behind cupboards and under beds, chairs and tables.
Any one with symptoms of Dengue fever should see a doctor immediately.
For more information, residents can visit the Queensland Health website.