Cassowary Coast Regional Council

The dengue outbreaks in Cairns and Townsville are expected to spread, with over 300 cases in Cairns and 50 cases in Townsville reported at this stage.

The State Government is operating fourteen three person teams to undertake house to house control activities and this program is expected to run for two to three months.

If and when outbreaks occur in the Cassowary Coast Region more response teams may be needed.

Already resources are strained and Queensland Health is seeking assistance to provide additional staff to support
the dengue response.

Council is being asked whether there are any staff members interested in helping to prevent the spread of dengue. Members of the public who may be able to assist could also offer their services.

It is preferable that people have pest management training and experience, but this is not essential, as training will be provided. Queensland Health is able to fund travel and accommodation expenses for those assisting with the outbreak and will provide all personal protective equipment required.

Please email and include:

• Full name and contact details
• Dates available
• Whether you have supervisor approval to assist, if appropriate
• Whether you have completed other pest management training
• Whether you are experienced in vector control activities

There are three types of dengue fever and the type prevalent in Far North Queensland is thankfully not usually life threatening.

The symptoms of the most common type of dengue found here include fever, headache, sore muscles, nausea, vomiting and rashes. There is no proven preventative vaccine and the main treatment is to rest and encourage fluid intake.

Australian and U.S.scientists are working in Hawaii on a vaccine, which they believe may be available in a few years and if developed would be of huge world-wide benefit, with about 100 million cases occurring annually.

With the recent flooding rains residents should be particularly Careful to minimise opportunities for infection from dengue carrying mosquitoes.

You can help prevent the spread of dengue by reducing mosquito breeding areas such as in pooled water around your backyard; by wearing protective light clothing; using personal insect repellent and mosquito coils and surface sprays.

The dengue carrying mosquito is typically most active during the daytime, especially at dawn and dusk, so watch exposure at those times, both indoors and outside.

The incidence of Ross River Virus, Barmah Forest Virus and other tropical diseases will also intensify, so precautions should definitely be taken at this time of year.