Most cases have been identified in Cairns, however all the northern region up to Cape York Peninsula has been affected. The outbreak has also claimed the life of an 82 year old woman. Whilst she had other health problems as well, she tested positive to the dengue fever virus and it would have contributed to her death, public health officials stated.

Dr Margaret Young, Cairn’s public Health Medical officer, said the outbreak was very ‘fast’ with the number of cases rising rapidly over a short period of time unlike other epidemics in 2003 and 2004.

There is a concern that dengue could become endemic in North Queensland. In order to prevent that from happening, health officials are urging residents to clear their yards of mosquito breeding sites throughout the winter months.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25314488-29277,00.

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