Mr McADAM - 2004-02-26
It has been reported over the last few days that a mosquito type that carries dengue fever has been found in traps at Tennant Creek. Can you outline to members what steps are being taken in the Barkly region to eliminate the mosquito, and also advise as to how members of the public may be able to assist in limiting the spread of mosquitoes.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for this very important question. I can confirm that for the first time in nearly 50 years the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which has the potential to transmit dengue fever, has been found in traps in the Barkly at Tennant Creek. The Medical Entomology Branch of the department’s Centre for Disease Control conducts weekly mosquito monitoring in Tennant Creek during the wet season. Last week, two dengue mosquitoes were found in separate traps. I understand the mosquitoes may have come from Queensland or overseas, although the latter is less likely.
I am assured that the presence of this type of mosquito does not mean that there is a threat of dengue outbreak in Tennant Creek. The dengue virus has to be present in infected people, and there is no evidence of that currently in Tennant Creek. Needless to say, though, the Medical Entomology Branch of the Department of Health and Community Services has acted swiftly to respond to the presence of the mosquito species. Surveys of the town started last Sunday, and spraying and fogging operations will commence tomorrow. I am assured that the department is confident there is a good chance that it can eliminate the mosquitoes quickly.
I take this opportunity to encourage people of Tennant Creek to help where they can to eliminate breeding sites. All water-filled receptacles should be emptied of water and sprayed with surface spray. Any visible wrigglers or larvae should be destroyed, and any water-filled containers, or those previously containing water from Tennant Creek, should not be transported to other centres. Fogging of residential and public places will start tomorrow. Staff from the Department of Health will also be distributing surface sprays and running house-to-house education programs. Anyinginyi Congress Aboriginal Corporation, Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Tennant Creek Town Council will be working closely with the department to support their work and encourage people to eliminate breeding places. I congratulate the chairs of both those corporations, Pat Braun and Ross Jagamara Williams, together with Mayor Paul Ruger and their staff, for working with the department so well to ensure everyone in Tennant Creek is informed about the findings and what they can do to help. For more information, people of Tennant Creek can call the Hotline on 1800 008 002.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for this very important question. I can confirm that for the first time in nearly 50 years the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which has the potential to transmit dengue fever, has been found in traps in the Barkly at Tennant Creek. The Medical Entomology Branch of the department’s Centre for Disease Control conducts weekly mosquito monitoring in Tennant Creek during the wet season. Last week, two dengue mosquitoes were found in separate traps. I understand the mosquitoes may have come from Queensland or overseas, although the latter is less likely.
I am assured that the presence of this type of mosquito does not mean that there is a threat of dengue outbreak in Tennant Creek. The dengue virus has to be present in infected people, and there is no evidence of that currently in Tennant Creek. Needless to say, though, the Medical Entomology Branch of the Department of Health and Community Services has acted swiftly to respond to the presence of the mosquito species. Surveys of the town started last Sunday, and spraying and fogging operations will commence tomorrow. I am assured that the department is confident there is a good chance that it can eliminate the mosquitoes quickly.
I take this opportunity to encourage people of Tennant Creek to help where they can to eliminate breeding sites. All water-filled receptacles should be emptied of water and sprayed with surface spray. Any visible wrigglers or larvae should be destroyed, and any water-filled containers, or those previously containing water from Tennant Creek, should not be transported to other centres. Fogging of residential and public places will start tomorrow. Staff from the Department of Health will also be distributing surface sprays and running house-to-house education programs. Anyinginyi Congress Aboriginal Corporation, Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Tennant Creek Town Council will be working closely with the department to support their work and encourage people to eliminate breeding places. I congratulate the chairs of both those corporations, Pat Braun and Ross Jagamara Williams, together with Mayor Paul Ruger and their staff, for working with the department so well to ensure everyone in Tennant Creek is informed about the findings and what they can do to help. For more information, people of Tennant Creek can call the Hotline on 1800 008 002.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016