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Qld Zika virus tests 'inconclusive'

Queensland Health authorities haven't been able to conclude whether a resident contracted Zika virus or dengue fever while overseas.

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Source: AAP


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There is a low chance of Zika virus being established in Townsville mosquitoes after inconclusive test results from a patient thought to have been infected, health authorities say.

The Oonoonba local, who recently returned to Townsville from overseas, was suspected of being infected with Zika or dengue fever.

It prompted authorities to spray houses in Townsville to kill any mosquitoes potentially carrying the virus.

But Queensland Health said it was not possible to tell what mosquito-borne virus the patient had because they had cleared the virus.

"The resident was only in Townsville for a couple of days while unwell, has now recovered and is no longer infectious," the department said in a statement.

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"This means the chance of a disease being established in the mosquito that transmits dengue and Zika is low."

Residents were encouraged to rid their properties of the Aedes aegypti mosquito - the only potential carrier in Townsville - by getting rid of containers that could collect water and spraying with common insect spray.

The department said anyone who was feeling unwell after visiting a country known to have Zika or dengue outbreaks needed to visit their GP as soon as possible.


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