'Full outbreak response': First Rockhampton dengue fever case in decades
The central Queensland city of Rockhampton has its first confirmed dengue fever case in decades, prompting a "full outbreak response", according to Queensland Health.
Council officers and health officials will doorknock the patient's neighbours on Friday to warn them.
Mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue fever are known to be in the area.
Central Queensland Public Health Unit director Dr Gulam Khandaker said residents should cover up and use insect repellent to avoid being bitten and potentially contracting the disease.
"The individual has no history of overseas travel or travel to north Queensland, where dengue outbreaks are known to occur," he said.
"It is known that Aedes aegypti, a mosquito capable of transmitting dengue, is present in some areas of Rockhampton, however as mosquito numbers are small and located in areas with low population density, locally acquired cases do not usually occur.
"Queensland Health has comprehensive dengue management plans to manage cases and outbreaks of dengue.
"The dengue virus does not spread directly from person to person. The best protection against mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
"There are a number of methods in which residents can protect themselves, including using mosquito coils or plug-in mosquito repellent devices inside. Screen living and sleeping areas.
"Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, and cover your feet. Use insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide) or picaridin and reapply according to the label.
"The mosquito that transmits dengue lives and breeds around domestic premises and bites during the day."
The typical symptoms of dengue fever include the sudden onset of fever, extreme tiredness, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, minor bleeding from the nose or gums and/or heavy menstrual periods.
Anyone with these symptoms should see their doctor immediately.
More information on dengue fever can be found on the QH website or by calling 13 HEALTH.