What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue Fever is caused by a virus spread by a mosquito which occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including North Queensland. The dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti, breeds around the house and generally bites you indoors during daylight hours.
How do you get Dengue Fever?
It 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.
How do I avoid getting Dengue Fever?
The best way to avoid getting Dengue Fever is to get rid of dengue mosquito breeding sites around your home. Chances are if you or a family member get dengue, you were infected by a mosquito that bred in your own house or yard.
Dengue mosquitoes breed in containers that hold water. Check your house and yard and tip out any containers that hold water. Store them in a dry place or throw them out.
1. Do your weekly yard check
Dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
- Pot plant bases
- Tyres
- Palm fronds
- Boats
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- Buckets
- Tarpaulins
- Containers
- Birdbaths
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- Drain sumps
- Bromeliads
- Roof guttering
- Rainwater tanks
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The dengue mosquito does not breed in rivers, swamps, open drains, creeks, mangroves and flooded parks.
2. Don't get bitten
They are daytime biters.
- Use repellant
- Burn mozzie coils
- Use surface sprays
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- Screen your house
- Wear loose clothes - they can't bite through!
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3. See your doctor if you feel unwell
Typical Dengue Fever symptoms include:
- Intense headache, especially behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain (ankles, knees, elbows)
- Loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Skin rash
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- Sudden onset of fever (lasting 3 to 7 days)
- Minor bleeding (nose or gums)
- Extreme fatigue
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ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR A BLOOD TEST. |
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (excessive bleeding) is one serious outcome of dengue which can be fatal, particularly among young children. There is no medical cure for Dengue Fever and no vaccine to provide immunity.
If you or anyone in your family have any symptoms of dengue, please see a doctor immediately. You could infect someone else.
Why is Dengue Fever a threat to you in Townsville?
- The dengue mosquito is common in North Queensland.
- The dengue virus can be easily introduced by visitors to tropical North Queensland from countries where Dengue Fever is widespread, greatly increasing our risk of a major Dengue Fever outbreak.
- When there are lots of dengue mosquitoes about, Dengue Fever can spread quickly and cause serious illness to you and your family.
Stop the mozzie breeding and you can stop the disease - it's your responsibility.
For further information on Dengue Fever including the current status of Dengue Fever in North Queensland, visit the Queensland Health website or contact Environmental Health Services.
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| Pot plant bases are a perfect breeding site for the Dengue Mosquito |
Buckets collect water and breed mosquitoes |
For more information, please phone 1300 878 001 or contact Environmental Health Services.
