Rheumatic illnesses still a concern in Cape York

CAPE York residents are being reminded of the need to be aware of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

“First Nations peoples are one of the major at-risk groups for these two conditions,” said Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s Dr Allison Hempenstall.

“We have already had our first case of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and our first case of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) so far this year within our health service region.

“Last year, we had 26 cases of ARF and 62 cases of RHD.

“While last year’s totals were fewer than the 36 cases of ARF and 77 cases of RHD we recorded in 2021, any cases of ARF and RHD in our region are always a matter of concern.

“Some of the factors that put individuals or communities at risk of these conditions include living in poor quality housing or overcrowded environments, as well as overall socio-economic disadvantage.

“It is important to focus community attention on acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease as these conditions are not often recognised as a big problem.”

Dr Hempenstall said rheumatic heart disease was a disease that affected the heart and was a consequence of contracting acute rheumatic fever.

“Acute rheumatic fever is a disease caused by the Streptococcus A bacteria group (strep) and causes throat and skin infections which lead to inflammation in the joints, brain, and heart,” she said.

The infection can be spread from person to person by large respiratory droplets, for example via sneezing, or direct contact with people infected by the bacteria, and can progress into rheumatic heart disease.

“If untreated, rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure and complications like stroke

Bridge closed this week and can greatly reduce the ability to lead a normal life,” said Dr Hempenstall.

THE Jensen’s Crossing Bridge on the outskirts of Cooktown will be closed until Friday, February 3 for maintenance and upgrade works.

“There are several signs you can look out for when it comes to acute rheumatic fever.

“Parents need to look out for common infections that might otherwise be overlooked, such as a sore throat, sore joints, fever or skin sores because these can result in long-term heart damage.

“Once we find someone with acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, we have very effective treatments that stop it going on to cause longterm cardiac damage such as heart failure and strokes.

“That’s why it is important to identify people with ARF so they can be treated and managed before the disease progresses.”

The single-lane timber bridge on Poison Creek and Jensen’s Crossing roads, near the Jensen’s intersection with Endeavour Valley Road, was replaced in 2022 with a concrete structure.

Cook Shire Council said the re-opening of the bridge was weather dependent.

Royston on Australian Idol

FORMER Western Cape College student

Royston Sagigi-Baira will appear on the Channel 7 show Australian Idol tonight (Tuesday).

The Mapoon product, who performs as Royston Noell, has previously appeared on the TV show All Together Now

“Other than singing, my other passion is community work, specifically with the young people in remote Indigenous communities because I come from those places, and I know how important it is to have leaders in a small place,” Royston’s Australian Idol profile reads.

Grazing grants available

CAPE York NRM has $180,000 available to help boost pasture condition and native vegetation, to be spread across six eligible properties.