There has been one further confirmed case of locally acquired dengue since January 8, bringing the total number of cases to date this season to seven.

Director of Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) Dr Richard Gair said although this season’s outbreak had so far been contained in Edmonton, 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, as dengue mosquitoes are urban mosquitoes that feed 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 only a small amount of water can make areas perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos.”

Dr Gair said common dengue mosquito breeding sites include buckets, toys, pot plant bases and blocked roof gutters.

“Make sure that any mosquito breeding sites are removed from homes and workplaces as it is much easier to prevent breeding sites from developing than it is to eradicate them once they are established,” he said.

“It is also important use indoor surface spray, mozzie zappers and coils around the house to kill and repel mosquitoes. 

Protect yourself and your family further by using repellent and wearing light-coloured clothing.”

Dengue fever causes fever with severe headaches, muscle and joint pains, and other symptoms may include a rash, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Anyone with dengue like symptoms should go to a doctor immediately and get tested for dengue.

During the last dengue season, 136 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease in the Cairns area, with more than half of the cases being in the Cairns City and Cairns North areas.