Defend yourself against dengue

With the wet season upon us Mackay Regional Council is reminding residents to defend themselves against dengue fever.

During the wet season dengue mosquito eggs can develop to mature adults within one week.

Health, Sport and Recreation portfolio councillor Paul Steindl said to prevent the spread of Dengue Fever Mackay Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland Government is running a ‘Defend against Dengue’ media campaign providing advice on prevention and protection.

“For the next two months a series of TV, radio and print ads will air providing residents with tips on how to reduce dengue breeding sites around the home and how to protect yourself and your family from dengue mosquitoes.”

“The TV and print ads will highlight three key steps to reduce dengue mosquito breeding sites around the home: Tip It, Store It, Throw It.”

Tip out any water that’s pooled in things like pot plant bases, plastic containers, tarpaulins, tin cans or buckets

Store anything that can hold water undercover or in a dry place, including tyres, gardening equipment, toys, buckets, trailers or boats

Throw out any rubbish lying around your yard like leaves in gutters, fallen palm fronds and unused containers or tyres.

Cr Steindl said it’s especially important that residents know how to protect themselves during dengue season.

“Dengue is an infectious tropical disease, transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes and can cause serious health complications.”

“The 30 second radio and TV ads aim to teach residents how to protect themselves during dengue season. This includes wearing repellent, using surface spray under furniture and behind curtains and seeing a doctor if symptoms appear.”

The ‘Defend against Dengue’ media campaign will run until March 5. For more information on dengue fever please visit www.health.qld.gov.au/dengue.

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAy (1300 622 529)