Health authorities are managing five probable locally acquired cases of malaria on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait.
Public health staff are visiting the island to deliver information to residents about mosquito- borne diseases and how to minimise risk.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Helen Pedgrift said the team was working with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives to undertake mosquito control measures and check for further cases.
Mosquito spraying also is being undertaken.
The Saibai cases are being managed appropriately, and no further details can be provided due to confidentiality.
Dr Pedgrift said the community should be aware that malaria was treatable and there was no cause for community alarm.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease and is not transmitted directly from person to person. It is spread to people via the bite of particular types of mosquitoes.
Dr Pedgrift said Torres Strait residents should be on alert for symptoms of malaria and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.
The most common symptoms of malaria are high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.
If anyone exhibited any of these symptoms, they should visit their local primary health care centre, Dr Pedgrift said.
Several effective drugs are available for treating malaria.
Early malaria can usually be easily treated whereas late, severe, or complicated malaria can be a life-threatening medical emergency.
Travellers to regions where malaria is present should always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as well as ensure they take appropriate medication to prevent malaria.
But the very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases of any kind is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.
Personal protective measures include:
- Wear light-coloured clothing, (long-sleeved shirts and long pants wherever possible to cover exposed skin).
- Use personal insect repellent containing DEET (di-ethyl toluamide), Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. DEET and Picaridin are safe for use by pregnant women. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Repellents usually only protect against mosquito bites for up to four hours.
- Use other mosquito protection devices such as electric zappers and mosquito coils.
- Install insect screens that are in good working order in your home and office. If not, sleep under a mosquito net day and night.
The five probable Saibai Island cases are the first reported within the health service for the year so far.
Last year, a total of nine cases of malaria were recorded, three on Cape York and the remainder in the Torres Strait. There were no cases in 2024 and five cases in 2023.
You can also find out about malaria on the Queensland Government website.