Qld: Spike in dengue cases leads to new outbreak fears

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
Qld: Spike in dengue cases leads to new outbreak fears

BRISBANE, Dec 11 AAP - A spike in dengue fever cases in north Queensland has authorities
fearing a bigger outbreak once the wet season begins.

Queensland Health announced on Friday there had been 10 confirmed dengue type-one cases
in the latest outbreak, which began in Heatley, Townsville, in early November.

Tropical Regional Services public health medical officer Dr Steven Donohue said dengue
had now spread to Garbutt, Stuart and Wulguru, with some cases apparently unreported.

"We have had seven cases confirmed in just the past few days," Dr Donohue said in a statement.

"I am also concerned because people contracted dengue from infected dengue mosquitoes
in areas with no known link to earlier generations of transmission."

This meant there were infected people that Queensland Health did not know about, he said.

"Dengue cases could now occur anywhere in Townsville and beyond and could set us up
for a bigger outbreak once the more intense rains arrive," Dr Donohue said.

More than 1000 people across north Queensland were infected with the virus during the
previous outbreak, which began in November last year, including an elderly woman who died
due to complications in March.

It was the largest epidemic for at least 50 years.

Dengue is not normally fatal on the first infection although its debilitating symptoms
- which some have likened to being prodded with red hot pokers - can last for several
weeks.

But an infection with a second strain of dengue can lead to the more deadly dengue
hemorrhagic fever.

The 931 people infected in the far north with strain three of the virus during last
year's outbreak are at risk of severe complications if infected this year.

North Queensland residents have been warned to remove potential mosquito breeding grounds
by emptying containers holding water and clearing roof gutters.

They have also been asked to discourage mosquitoes by using indoor surface spray, coils
and zappers, and always wearing insect repellent, including during the day.

"We want to ensure people are as prepared as possible," Dr Donohue said.

AAP jmm/pjo/mmr/mn

KEYWORD: DENGUE

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.