As the full moon rises in the night sky, people with Rheumatic Fever in Katherine will turn into their local community clinic for their needles!
Acute Rheumatic Fever is one of the leading causes of heart disease in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander youth today.
The fever mainly affects young people between 5 and 14 years and is caused by a reaction to the bacterial infection streptococcus. Repeated infections can lead to lasting damage of the heart's valves and premature death.
Every 4 weeks - the same period of time for the moon to rise and wane - people who have had Rheumatic Fever must have an injection of antibiotics to prevent further bouts of the fever.
Coordinator of the NT Rheumatic Heart Program Dale Thompson says a new campaign supported by the NT Rheumatic Heart Disease program appeals to the Indigenous awareness of the natural world.
"This advertisement is played on Katherine Community Radio in pigeon language and reminds the Indigenous people to visit the clinic and get their Rheumatic Fever needles on the morning after they see a full moon in the sky.
"Rheumatic Fever can give you very bad heart problems, sometimes requiring valve surgery. It can also cause aches and pains in your body, uncontrollable movements of your arms and legs, rashes on your skin and breathing problems.
"Indigenous Territorians are eight times more likely to be hospitalised and 20 times more likely to die as a result of Rheumatic Heart Disease compared to the non-Indigenous population," he says.
Dale Thompson believes the full moon campaign was a clever idea.
"It's very easy to remember now. The announcement is played over loudspeakers on Katherine's main street. So when the moon is full, like tomorrow night, get your friends and family who have had Rheumatic Fever and head to the clinic for your needles," says Mr Thompson.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Date released: 17 July 2008
