Tuesday 6 April 2010
People planning to visit tropical or sub-tropical countries are being strongly advised to protect themselves from mosquitoes, with six confirmed cases of dengue fever acquired overseas being reported via the Northern Territory's Notifiable Disease Surveillance System in the past two weeks.
"The Northern Territory is free of the mosquitoes that transmit the dengue fever virus and all cases were acquired in nearby countries," Dr Vicki Krause, Director of the Centre for Disease Control, said.
"Dengue fever is a debilitating viral illness that can result in some people experiencing a number of episodes of fever. The acute symptoms of dengue fever usually last up to 10 days. High fever, severe frontal headache, pain behind the eyes, rash, muscle and joint pains are the common symptoms.
"It takes 3 to14 days - usually about 7 days - from being bitten by a dengue virus infected mosquito for people to become unwell. Dengue fever is also known as 'breakbone fever', indicating the whole-of-body pain that most people experience with the disease. Full recovery may be slow and associated with weakness and depression," Dr Krause said.
Dr Krause said a further complication is dengue haemorrhagic fever, when dengue fever progresses to rapid deterioration, bleeding and collapse. Although a rare form of dengue fever, this can sometimes be fatal.
Dengue mosquitoes are usually active during daylight hours. They rest indoors in closets, behind curtains and in other dark places.
"There is no specific medical prevention or vaccine to prevent dengue fever," Dr Krause added.
"Don't run the risk of spoiling your overseas holiday. There are simple precautions that all travellers to tropical and sub-tropical areas can take to protect themselves from mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue."
These include:
- Using repellents containing di-ethyl-toluamide (DEET) or picaridin;
- Wearing loose light coloured clothing with long sleeves, trousers and socks;
- Using mosquito coils or other space repellents or adult mosquito barrier insecticides; and
- Ensuring that window and door insect screens are in good repair. If not sleep under a mosquito net.
Further information on dengue fever can be obtained from the Centre for Disease Control on 8922 8044, local doctors and Community Care/Health Care Centre or online.
Media contacts: 0401 116 203 or 0488 682 781
