Bio security measures are being stepped up at Brisbane International Airport after mosquitoes that could potentially infect Australians with debilitating diseases were found on three separate occasions. Planes coming from South-East Asian countries are being routinely fumigated before luggage is removed after finding the exotic mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is responsible for an annual outbreak of dengue in North Queensland. The mozzie is known to carry crippling viruses like dengue, chikunguya and yellow fever. Aedes aegypti, known for its black and white stripes, can spread crippling diseases like dengue and chikunguya . The blood suckers, who are known for their black and white stripped legs, were discovered in the international baggage terminal on February 17, March 30 and again on March 31. Federal Minister for Agricultural Barnaby Joyce said there will be other measures to control the flying critters alongside fumigation, which include knockdown fogging, surface spraying, and treatment of standing water. Authorities said if the troublesome mosquitoes hadn't been detected they could have become a serious threat to the health of those living around the airport. Mr Joyce noted that tests were being carried out to narrow down exactly where the exotic insect came from. The blood suckers were discovered in the international terminal baggage on February 17, March 30 and again on March 31 . “This will allow us to better target our efforts to make sure none of these mosquitoes enter and establish in Australia—which could have a devastating impact on our human and animal health.' In February, authorities were forced to step up bio security at Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane airports after exotic mosquitoes were found in cargo holds. “There have been no further detections in Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne since the new measures were rolled out. This is a good result and it shows the flexibility of our risk-based bio security system—when risk increases so does our level of intervention,” Minister Joyce said. Exotic mosquitoes are a serious health concern for authorities because they are the primary transmitter of diseases like dengue. In February authorities were forced to step up bio security at Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane airports after exotic mosquitoes were found in cargo holds. Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like illnesses such as a fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, swollen glands or a rash. The virus is transmitted to humans when an infected female gives you a bite. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that before 1970, only 9 countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. Currently, the disease is prolific in more than 100 countries including Africa, the Americas, South-east Asia and the Western Pacific. While vaccinations are being developed there is no surefire way to stop people contracting the disease if mozzies in the area have been infected. Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like illnesses such as a fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, swollen glands or a rash. Chikunguya can also cause a terrible rash, swelling, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea or vomiting . While dengue isn’t generally deadly WHO said it can cause deadly complications like fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding or organ impairment, which present with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing and bleeding gums. Sixty-seven people in Queensland’s southeast contracted dengue fever this year however all cases were contracted while overseas. Sixty-seven people in Queensland’s southeast contracted dengue fever this year however all cases were contracted while overseas.
Exotic mosquitoes were discovered at Brisbane International Airport . Authorities have been forced to stepped up bio security measures . All planes coming from South East Asia are now being fumigated . Exotic mosquitoes were detected in February this year at Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth airports . Barnaby Joyce said there have been no more detected after biosecurity was amped up .