The introduction of target-specific adult mosquito traps (Biogents® (BG) sentinel mosquito traps) in 2009/10 to detect exotic dengue vectors at Darwin port facilities has apparently increased the ability and frequency of their detection. The latest detection of Aedes aegypti at Frances Bay in Darwin in January 2011 was followed by subsequent successful elimination measures and heightened surveillance responses, which indicated no further presence of adults or larvae of this species.

The Top End of Australia is home to plenty of creatures such as mosquitoes, biting midges, and a wide range of other insects that can leave locals and visitors alike with some unwelcome pain or discomfort, as well as possibly contracting an insect borne disease. Faced with the daunting array of biting insects, many people often ask, “what is the health risk of this or that insect, what is the best way to protect against the bites and stings, what repellent is the best, or even do sand flies really urinate on your skin?” This introduction to the various culprits and the range of ways to protect yourself will hopefully help make your life in the Top End a bit less painful and safer.

In an effort to reduce the high incidence of Murray Valley encephalitis in remote communities across the NT, DoH launched a radio campaign, with MVE risk messages delivered in eight Indigenous languages.

In early April 1998 the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Darwin was notified of a case with positive dengue serology. The illness appeared to have been acquired in the Northern Territory (NT). Because dengue is not endemic to the NT locally acquired infection has significant public health implicationst particularly for vector identification and control to limit the spread of infection. Dengue IgM serology was positive on two occasions but the illness was eventually presumptively identified as Kokobera infection. This case illustrates some important points about serology. The interpretation of flavivirus serology is complex and can be· misleadingt despite recent improvements. The best method of determining the cause of infection is still attempting to reconcile clinical illness details with incubation times and vector presence, as well as laboratory results. This approach ultimately justified the initial period of waiting for confirmatory results in this case, before the institution of public health measures necessary for a true case of dengue.

The Chronic Diseases Network was set up in 1997 in response to the rising impact of chronic conditions in the NT. The Network is made up of organisations and individuals who have an interest in chronic conditions.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

Contributions appearing in The Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or DoH. Contributions are consistent with the aims of the Chronic Diseases Network and are intended to: Inform and stimulate thought and action, Encourage discussion and comment, Promote communication, collaboration, coordination and collective memory.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

Contributions appearing in The Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or DoH. Contributions are consistent with the aims of the Chronic Diseases Network and are intended to inform and stimulate thought and action, encourage discussion and comment, and promote communication collaboration coordination and collective memory.

The Chronic Diseases Network was set up in 1997 in response to the rising impact of chronic conditions in the NT. The Network is made up of organisations and individuals who have an interest in chronic conditions.

Contributions appearing in The Chronicle do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or DoH. Contributions are consistent with the aims of the Chronic Disease Network and are intended to: • inform and stimulate thought and action • encourage discussion and comment • promote communication, collaboration, coordination and collective memory.

The Chronic Diseases Network was set up in 1997 in response to the rising impact of chronic conditions in the NT. The Network is made up of organisations and individuals who have an interest in chronic conditions.

The Chronicle is a journal that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

The Chronicle is a newsletter that delivers timely updates and summaries on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the area of chronic disease.

Cockroaches can be significant pest and potential public health problems in the tropics. The guide and recommendations below have been produced with public buildings in mind but can equally apply to private premises. They have been aimed at the German cockroach as they are more common in institutions and residential premises in the Northern Territory but the principles apply equally to the larger American cockroach. They are aimed at the owner or occupier conducting the control, rather than engaging a licensed pest control operator.