Cairns Regional Council is urging residents to defend against dengue fever in their own backyards to stop the spread of the disease.

Confirmed cases of dengue fever have been identified in the Mount Sheridan area and Council is working with Queensland Health to isolate and eradicate the source.

CRC Mayor Bob Manning said it was up to all residents to play their part in eradicating dengue.

“We all need to be vigilant and that means making sure we tip out any water that is gathering around our homes,” Cr Manning said. “They can breed in the smallest amounts of water – such as in a palm frond or base of a pot plant – so it is important to check regularly for anything that can hold water".

“Council has vector control teams out in the field, going from house to house to treat breeding sites and offer advice to residents.  We encourage people to do the right thing by co-operating with the vector teams and checking their own yards and homes regularly".

“Council does have the ability to fine people who do not cooperate. That would be a last resort and we hope there is no need for that kind of action.”

The Aedes aegypti mosquito – known as the dengue mosquito – is most active during the day, rather than in the evenings like other species.

“Dengue mozzies like to hide out under the couch, bed or behind curtains – anywhere dark – so use a surface spray in these areas,” Cr Manning said. “Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing can make you less attractive to mozzies and it’s a good idea to use an insect repellent during the day.”

Anyone who does suspect they may be experiencing symptoms of dengue fever should seek medical advice.

For more information on dengue fever and tips on protecting yourself and your home, visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au or www.health.qld.gov.au/dengue

Symptoms (extract from www.health.qld.gov/au/dengue)
Dengue fever has many symptoms, and people usually experience a combination of symptoms.

Common symptoms of dengue fever are:

• sudden fever and extreme tiredness
• intense headache (especially behind the eyes)
• muscle and joint pain
• loss of appetite
• vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• a metallic taste in the mouth
• red or macular (small, flat red spots) rash occurs in half of cases
• minor bleeding from nose and gums

Most symptoms last up to a week and in some cases the fever may return for another 2-3 days. Dengue fever symptoms affect everyone differently. They can range from mild, and can even go unnoticed (often in children), to very severe and potentially fatal. Most people will experience a certain amount of discomfort, regardless of their specific symptoms, and usually need to spend a few days resting at home. This is important, not only for recovery but to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.