Mosquito warning comes with Boigu malaria case

A case of malaria has been detected on Boigu Island in the Torres Strait, Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall says.

“The case is being managed appropriately and no further details can be provided due to confidentiality,” she said.

“The community should be aware that malaria is treatable and there is no cause for community alarm.”

She said malaria was a mosquito-borne disease and not transmitted from person to person, but spread through people by the bite of particular types of mosquitoes.

“Residents of Boigu Island and the Torres Strait should be on alert for symptoms of malaria and take measures to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes,” she said.