A rare bacterial illness transmitted to people from ticks has been identified for the first time in Tasmania's Midlands.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A recent study revealed two cases of Flinders Island Spotted Fever in the Midlands area.
With symptoms including a fever, headaches, joint pains and a rash, the infection is transmitted to humans by the bite of ticks found on reptiles including blue- tongued lizards and snakes.
A study led by Dr Gabriela Willis and published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health reviewed 18 notified cases of the infection acquired in Tasmania between 2012 and 2017.
In other news:
- Health Department urges people with 'flu-like' symptoms to avoid hospitals
- Government accused of ignoring real demand facing paramedics
- Ashley Detention Centre staff stressed, overtired and pressured to do unrealistic overtime
- Upgraded TasWater Longford sewerage treatment plant at Longford aims to reduce odours
While 13 cases were acquired on Flinders Island and three around Great Oyster Bay, Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said two confirmed cases in the Midlands was a first for the state.
"This is the first time confirmed cases have been acquired in the Midlands," he said.
Dr Veitch said most cases occurred in the summer and were more common in people who spent time outdoors camping, bushwalking or working.
The best way to avoid the infection is to prevent tick bites by applying insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
These measures will also prevent mosquito bites that can also carry other infections such as Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus in these areas.
The Flinders Island Spotted Fever is caused by Rickettsia honei bacteria and is successfully treated with an oral antibiotic, Dr Veitch said.
- More information can be found here.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
