Dengue fever strikes in Australia

An outbreak of dengue fever has been discovered in the north of the Australian state of Queensland.

Two cases of the disease have already been confirmed in the Cairns district and a further five people are awaiting the results of tests, reports ABC News.

Four years ago, Cairns experienced an outbreak of dengue fever during which 29 people were affected and health officials fear this one could be worse.

Dr Scott Ritchie, a medical entomologist, told the broadcaster conditions were perfect for the disease to spread.

"With the rains that we've had in the last fortnight, we suspect there's a fair amount of mosquito breeding going on in the area," he warned.

Meanwhile, the state broadcaster for St Kitts & Nevis has also announced an outbreak of dengue fever.

The ministry of health has recorded more than 20 positive tests for the disease, following a period of wet weather which provided ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

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