25 Feb 2012

More cases of dengue fever detected in NT

9:55 am on 25 February 2012

More cases of dengue fever have been detected in Australia's Northern Territory. The disease can be fatal.

The NT Centre for Disease Control says there were 34 cases in January and February, compared with 29 last year.

All were detected in travellers returning from trips to south-east Asia, including Bali and East Timor.

Dr Peter Markey says the incubation period is about a week and many people realise they have the disease only when symptoms arise at home.

The ABC reports about half of the cases required hospitalisation. Symptoms are fever, headaches and muscle and joint aches and pains.