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Hi,
In brief the answer is
YES,Qeensland has many biting mosquitoes, and sandflies on the coast and
islands,and mites in rainforest.There are several possible diseases you can pick
up from mosquitoes and mites, including Dengue Fever, two kinds of
Encephalitis , Malaria in Torres Strait in particular, three kinds of
Typhus.
HOWEVER, the risk of disease is very
small, and virtually non-existent if you are sensible . Lightweight
long-sleeved shirts and pants saturated in permethrin [used for lice on
childrens hair], as well as frequent applications of tropical strength insect
repellant on exposed parts will protect you from insect disease vectors in
Queensland and Torres Strait.
Sandflies dont carry human disease as far as
I know, can cause nasty skin reactions, and may not be deterred by repellant
according to some people, but I have never found them to be a problem with
"tropical strength" preparations such as Aerogard and Rid.
I have had much more trouble with sandflies
["noseeums"] in Canada than ever in Queensland.
Take care and you will love Queensland, its a virgin Australian birders
paradise.
Cheers
Michael
Dr.Michael Hunter
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