Viraemic importations of dengue into north Queensland, 2009.

Although dengue viruses are not endemic in north Queensland, the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is present in urban settings in the region and on some Torres Strait islands. This means that north Queensland is prone to outbreaks of dengue, each one apparently initiated by a viraemic traveller recently arrived from a dengue-affected country abroad. For this reason, it is essential that viraemic importations of dengue from overseas into north Queensland are promptly recognised and notified so that appropriate mosquito-control measures can be rapidly implemented.