Health
The Northern Territory is home to an array of flora and fauna unique to the tropical and desert environment. In the top end, we have a few insects and animals that you need to keep and eye out for and avoid. These include, but are not limited to;
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Mosquito borne diseases -In the Northern Territory (NT) there are 20 different problem mosquitoes that live and breed in varying habitats. Some of these species are capable of carrying and spreading diseases that are potentially harmful to both humans and pets. Exposure to large numbers of mosquitoes increases the risk of being infected with a mosquito-borne disease.To avoid being bitten when outdoors, use repellents such as di-ethyl-toluamide (DEET) or picaridin containing formulations. Lotions and gels are
more effective and long lasting than sprays. Wear loose light coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks.-
Barmah Forest Fever -This disease is similar to Ross River virus disease but is generally milder and less common. There are usually 15-50 cases in the NT every year.
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Dengue fever -Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species capable of spreading dengue fever is no longer present in the NT, however it is found in northern Queensland and could potentially be introduced into the NT. Don’t bring old tyres or pot plant drip trays with mosquito eggs into the NT from north Queensland. Dengue fever is characterised by fever and severe muscle and joint pain.
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Japanese encephalitis - The Japanese encephalitis virus is not found in the NT, however the mosquito capable of spreading it is present. Japanese encephalitis is a potentially fatal disease and was first found in Australia in 1995. Since then there have been 5 reported cases in Australia, all from the Torres Strait region.
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Kunjin virus disease - This is also a rare disease and is characterised by severe headaches and fever, and the virus is spread by the common banded mosquito.
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Malaria -Australia was certified malaria free in 1981. While mosquitoes capable of spreading the malaria parasite are present in the NT the endemic disease has been eradicated. The parasite could be re-introduced into the NT by infected people returning or visiting from overseas and being bitten by local Anopheles mosquitoes. People visiting countries known to have malaria should consult their doctor regarding anti-malarial medication.
- Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) -This is a rare disease but can cause serious illness and death. The virus is spread by the common banded mosquito and outbreaks of the disease occur sporadically in the wet and early dry season. There are usually 1 or 2 cases a year in the NT.
- Ross River Fever -This potentially debilitating disease results in rash, swelling and pain in the joints and is spread by a number of mosquito species. There are usually 100-250 cases every year in the NT.
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- Melioidosis -Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria live below the soil’s surface during the dry season but after heavy rainfall are found in surface water and mud and may become airborne. The bacteria that causes melioidosis usually enters the body via cuts and sores in the skin or via inhalation of dust or droplets and very rarely by ingestion of contaminated water. Melioidosis does not usually spread from one person to another or from animals to humans. People can become ill from 1 to 21 days after being infected and the onset of symptoms may be sudden or gradual. The infection can be fatal and melioidosis requires urgent medical attention and treatment with specific antibiotics.
- Midges (Sandflies) - midges may be a nuisance within 1.5 kilometres of large areas of coastal mangroves including within 500m of the lowest reaches of Rapid Creek and Ludmilla Creek. Female biting midges are active three days on either side of the full moon especially during the late dry, as they emerge from their mangrove breeding places looking for blood. Female midges need a blood meal for their eggs to mature. The saliva they inject into their human hosts causes pain and swelling. The bite area can be extremely itchy-particularly for newcomers to the NT. Avoid scratching the bite area, which can break the skin and allow bacterial infections that can lead to unsightly sores. Soothing lotion such as paw paw (papaya) ointment may provide relief. Ice packs can be applied to the bite site intermittently if the reaction is stronger, but a severe reaction may require medical attention. The best approach is to avoid breeding and infestation areas during the hours on either side of sunrise and sunset. Cover up with long sleeve shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes, and apply repellents that contain picaridin or diethyl toluamide (DEET).
- Box Jellyfish -Box Jellyfish can be deadly and cause agonising pain. Avoid getting stung. Do not enter the sea during stinger season (October - May), however stings have occurred in all months of the year . Beware of shallow water in creeks and near boat ramps, and wear protective clothing when fishing or boating. Even in surf conditions Box Jellyfish may be present.
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Crocodiles - It is important to remember that any body of water in the Territory may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. Many waterways that are isolated in the dry season (May to September) are connected to other systems during wet season flooding (October to April), allowing crocodiles to move over a large area. Large crocodiles can stay underwater for at least an hour by dropping their heart rate to 2-3 beats per minute to conserve energy. A crocodile can float with only eyes and nostrils exposed, enabling it to approach prey without being detected. Crocodiles can often be mistaken for tree branches or other debris. For more information on Crocodiles go to http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/animals/index.html
For more information on other health issues go to www.nt.gov.au/health or http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets/index.aspx for relevent factsheets
