Australia: Dengue outbreak in Townsville City, Queensland

Health officials with Queensland Health and the Townsville City Council are responding to the dengue fever outbreak in the region.

The outbreak, declared on February 19, now stands at nine confirmed and two probable cases through March 25.

A public health response including vector control and public health messaging has been implemented and is ongoing.

Townsville Public Health Unit director Steven Donohue said the wider community should be taking precautions.

"It is really important to tip out anything that is holding water around your house," he said.

"The other thing you can do is spray dark, damp spaces in your house with long-lasting insecticide."

Wearing long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent is also encouraged.

Dengue outbreaks can occur annually in north and central Queensland and residents need to be vigilant to ensure dengue mosquitoes are not breeding on their property.

The dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti, occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including North Queensland which greatly increases our risk of a major Dengue Fever outbreak. The mosquito breeds around the house and generally bites you indoors during daylight hours.

Dengue fever is transmitted by a bite from the dengue mosquito, which has previously bitten a person infected with the dengue virus. It only takes one mosquito to infect a number of people in a short period of time. Typical dengue fever symptoms include intense headache, especially behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue, sudden onset of fever (lasting 3 - 7 days), minor bleeding (gums or nose), skin rash, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Ask your doctor for a blood test if you feel you may have the virus.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (excessive bleeding) is one serious outcome of dengue which can be fatal, particularly among young children.