YET another case of dengue fever has sprung up in Cairns.
There are now 13 confirmed cases of dengue, with transmission of the mosquito-borne disease recorded in Edmonton, Trinity Beach, Mooroobool and Brinsmead.
Cairns director of tropical public health services Dr Richard Gair said everyone across the Far North should be taking steps to protect themselves from dengue.
“We are urging people across the region to be extra vigilant.
“Dengue mosquitoes are urban mosquitoes that bite during the day and breed around homes, rather than in swamps or creeks,” he said.
“These confirmed cases show we can’t be complacent, and just a small amount of water can make areas perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”
Common dengue mosquito breeding sites include buckets, toys, pot plant bases and blocked roof gutters.
Dengue fever causes symptoms including severe headaches and muscle and joint pains. Other symptoms may include a rash, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Anyone with dengue-like symptoms should go to a doctor immediately and get tested for the disease.