A NEW case of dengue was diagnosed in Trinity Beach yesterday, bringing the number of infected people in the region to eight.
Scientists are analysing the strain of the virus, suspecting it originated from Edmonton.
“There’s strong circumstantial evidence indicating that’s the case,” said Tropical Public Health director Dr Richard Gair.
“All it takes is one person to visit that area and get infected. They won’t realise until 12 days after the incubation period.
“They then go to another area where there are mosquitoes, infect a mosquito and after another 10 days we’ll get cases.”
As concern grows over the infection’s spread, Dr Gair said only the vigilance of locals can avert a citywide outbreak.
“We only become aware of transmission after the event, that’s why it’s important for us to be told about cases as soon as possible to get the mosquitoes and prevent them infecting other people,” he said.
“Everyone needs to take measures to reduce transmission in their area, because we can’t stop people moving around but we can take efforts to reduce the number of mosquitoes around people’s homes.
“It’s not impossible, but it is difficult. These confirmed cases show we can’t be complacent.”
Dr Gair said the most effective thing was to destroy breeding sites include buckets, toys, pot plant bases and blocked roof gutters. “Make sure that any mosquito breeding sites are removed from homes and workplaces ,” he said.
“It is also important to use indoor surface spray, mozzie zappers and coils around the house to kill and repel mosquitoes.”
Source: Cairns Post