The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has issued an alert reminding Territorians of the risk of dengue fever when they travel.  This follows an unusually high number of cases diagnosed in recently returned travellers to the NT. Already this year there have been 14 cases notified –mainly returning from Bali, other areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and East Timor.

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by the bite of infected mosquitos. Patients begin to feel unwell anywhere from three days to two weeks after being bitten. Symptoms commonly include high fevers, rash and severe headache with muscle and joint pains. Recovery may take several weeks, with sufferers experiencing weakness and depression.

Though less common, serious complications are the most concerning feature of dengue fever. Severe bleeding and organ failure requiring hospital admission have been seen in travellers returning to the NT. Death from the disease, while rare, is possible.

Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the CDC, advises travellers: “There is no vaccine against dengue fever and no specific medical treatment for this debilitating condition.  Protecting yourself against mosquito bites is the only way to prevent dengue fever.”

The mosquito transmitting the virus that causes dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is found globally throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia. In Australia, Aedes aegypti has been eliminated from the NT, however remains active in far North Queensland.

“Unlike malaria, which is spread by mosquitos that feed at night and particularly at dawn and dusk, dengue fever mosquitos are active throughout daylight hours, requiring all-day mosquito protection,” Dr Krause said.

Simple measures to protect against mosquito bites include:

•               Wear loose, light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, trousers and socks

•               Apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin every four hours

•               Ensure flyscreens in accommodation are in good repair and sleep under a mosquito net

•               Wear clothing treated with permethrin insecticide, available from camping stores

Further information on dengue fever can be found at: http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/45/15.pdf&siteID=1&str_title=Dengue Fever.pdf

Media Contact: Dimitra Grehl 8999 2745 or 0427 596 954