LOCAL RESIDENTS of the Saibai and Dauan Islands, the closest islands in the Torres Strait to the PNG border, have been warned to take precautions against mosquitoes after a number of malaria cases were reported.

The outbreak started in late March and there have been nine cases reported on Saibai Island and two on Dauan Island.

Spokesman for Queensland Health, Gavin Broomhead said it was wise to take preventative action.

“We know malaria occurs over the border in PNG but on this occasion, local mosquitoes have bitten an infected person and obviously spread it through that channel,” he said.

Source: National Indigenous Times