Torres News_Edition 82_25 May 2023

HEALTH NEWS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Sexual Health Awareness Month observed in Torres Strait Health authorities in the Torres Strait were kept busy last month promoting Sexual Health Awareness Month. Senior Public Health Officer Mario Assan said ensuring people had the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing and treatment options was really important. “The best way to prevent getting an STI is to use condoms with water-based lubricant,’’ he said. “Condoms, if used correctly, are the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting an STI whilst also helping to prevent pregnancy.’’ Torres Strait Program Coordinator Lily-Annie Ahmat said one of the main aims of Sexual Health Awareness Month was to promote and provide factual sexual health and relationships information. “Having regular sexual health checks is also an important part of maintaining good sexual and relationship health,’’ she said. “Many STIs do not have symptoms, so the only way to know if you have an STI is to have a sexual health check, including STI testing.

“For most sexually active people, it is recommended to get tested at least once a year, but there are situations where getting tested more regularly is advised.’’ Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Thursday Island-based Men’s and Women’s Health Clinical Coordinator Sandra Gregson said activities over the month included radio promotions, along with community barbecues and information stalls. “Key messages and information delivered included reducing sexually transmissible infection-related stigma, fear, and discrimination,’’ she said. “We wanted Torres Strait residents to take the opportunity during April, and beyond, to consider their risks and take appropriate precautions.’’ Ms Gregson said the rate of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis had climbed state-wide and nationally over the past 20 years. “Notifications of infectious syphilis (four

Warning – don’t touch bats! Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area residents have been warned not to touch bats, following three reported bat scratches on Cape York in the past month. Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said none of the exposures had led to an individual contracting Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV). “However, those exposures are a wake-up call about the risks of handling bats,’’ she said. “Any species of bat could be carrying ABLV, which is harmful to humans and, as there is no known effective treatment for the disease once symptoms have started, almost always fatal. ‘‘Australian Bat Lyssavirus is like rabies and has led to three human deaths in Queensland in the past 25 years. ‘‘So, the message is simple, don’t touch bats.

‘‘Don’t touch any type of bat, adult or pup, sick or well, dead or alive – how a bat looks or behaves is not an accurate guide as to whether it may be carrying a virus. ‘‘It is also incredibly important to encourage young children to never handle any bat, particularly if they should come across a sick or injured one.’’ Dr Hempenstall said only people who had been trained in the care of bats, and had been vaccinated against rabies, should ever handle bats or flying foxes. If you find an injured bat or flying fox, contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL) or your local wildlife care group/rescuer/carer, or the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (1300 130 372) for

assistance – do not attempt to assist the animal yourself. For more information phone 13 HEALTH (13

43 25 84).

cases to date) in the overall Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region are on a par with previous year to date numbers, even a bit lower,’’ she said. “However, we have seen increases in notifications of chlamydia (289 cases this year to date compared to 178 for the same period last year) and gonorrhoea (88 cases to date compared to 63 for the same period last year), similar to the state-wide and national

increases in notifications for these conditions. “As elsewhere in Queensland and nationally, this is thought to be partly attributed to advances in diagnostic technology and increased testing. “But it is also linked to increases in the use of dating apps and greater access to more sexual partners.’’ For more information see: https://www.qld.

TN0461 • 09/02/23 gov.au/health/stayinghealthy/sexual-health/sti

Raising awareness: The Men’s and Women’s Health Promotion Team (North) – from left Richard Mola, Chenoa Wapau, Richard Hayes & Tyrome Zitha. Pic supplied.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: - We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns - should extra services be scheduled (eg School Holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule. For late flights - you MUST have a booking

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