Qld: Health experts warn of extre dengue cases after floods

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2000
Qld: Health experts warn of extre dengue cases after floods

Tropical health experts have warned that an outbreak of dengue fever in Australia's
far north could worsen after recent floods.

A tropical public health unit spokeswoman in Cairns says all mosquito-borne illnesses
have a tendency to increase in the wet season because of the larger numbers of breeding
sites.

Public health physician JEFFREY HANNA says the different strain of dengue implicated
in the current outbreak at Machans Beach, near Cairns, could pose a serious health risk
to people infected in past outbreaks.

Dr HANNA says it's particularly important that residents take action to prevent the
disease from spreading.

AAP RTV jhm/sc/msk/rt

KEYWORD: MOSQUITOES (BRISBANE)

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