Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
31 May 2012 09:44
Heavy rain is the best warning of a Ross River virus outbreak in Darwin, claims a researcher
Research has found that a seasonal downpour is the best indication of whether the Ross River infection will break out in communities in Darwin, Australia.
Susan Jacups, who is due to be awarded a PhD at Charles Darwin University, conducted a 15-year study designed to provide information for mosquito control programmes in the city.
The study was carried out at a time when new homes were being built near to mosquito breeding grounds in Darwin.
Dr Jacups said: "With about 4,800 cases reported in Australia each year, Ross River virus disease is our most common and widespread mosquito-borne disease and arguably the most important public health arbovirus.
"The data shows that accumulated rainfall of 279 mm or more in December or January was the best predictor of an outbreak of the disease."
Figures showed the city reported 113 cases of the virus on average each year for every 100,000 people.
The results were collated from 1990 to 2005, and raise awareness to the kind of unforeseen circumstances we can encounter on holiday. To this end, travellers with existing health problems are advised to invest in pre-existing medical travel insurance if they plan to fly to places known for certain types of diseases.
Dr Jacups added: "While more cases are reported during the wet season when mosquito numbers are higher, there are other important factors.
"The virus has a natural vertebrate host in which it completes its life-cycle, usually a marsupial. These marsupials were more abundant when food was plentiful after heavy rains at the beginning of the wet."
19 October 2018
Pregnant women who suffer from pre-eclampsia have a greater risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.
[more...]
18 October 2018
The UK's average life expectancy is predicted to increase from 80.8 years to 83.3 years over the next 20 years, according to new research.
17 October 2018
Family doctors are being urged to prescribe physical activity for patients living with some of the most common medical conditions.
16 October 2018
Patients with brain tumours lose out on almost £15,000 per year, a new report has revealed.
13 October 2018
Chris Grayling has given his "categorial assurance" to Parliament that a no-deal Brexit will not ground flights in and out of the UK, despite recent warnings from experts that this remains a possibility.
12 October 2018
The rising cost of fuel could force more airlines out of business, the boss of easyJet has warned.
11 October 2018
The image of the boozy backpacker might be a thing of the past as a new study suggests more and more youngsters are shunning alcohol completely.
10 October 2018
The NHS says just one in 10 drinks sold in English hospitals will be sugar-sweetened, as part of its bid to curb rising obesity levels.
09 October 2018
More than 260,000 diabetes patients were put at risk of lasting harm or even death during hospital stays last year due to medication errors, a new report has revealed.
06 October 2018
NHS patients with a specific type of lymphoma will soon be able to access a "game-changing" new treatment, health officials have revealed.
05 October 2018
People living with diabetes are being warned they might be "unwittingly" storing their insulin incorrectly.
04 October 2018
The world's first commercial jet part-powered by a new form of biofuel touches down in London on Wednesday (3rd October).