[CDU eNews] - INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE TOP END

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Warning on infectious diseases

Award-winning health research pioneer Professor Bart Currie warned today of
a possible increase in infectious diseases in the Top End, caused by global
warming and environmental change.

Professor Currie, of the Menzies School of Health Research at the Institute
for Advanced Studies of Charles Darwin University, said: "There have been
five separate incidents over the past 10 years that may be portents of
diseases of the Australian future.

"In 1995, Japanese encephalitis killed two people in the Torres Strait.

"In 1998, cyclones Les and Thelma resulted in a record number of
melioidosis cases in the Top End.

"In 2003, the dengue fever virus survived the winter in Townsville to
re-emerge the next summer.

"In February 2004, the dengue fever mosquito was found in Tennant Creek -
the first breeding of this mosquito in the NT for 50 years."

Professor Currie will examine this subject and describe the challenges for
society, for individuals and for our health services in a Charles Darwin
University public lecture, Global warming, environmental change and
infectious diseases of the tropical north, at the Museum and Art Gallery of
the NT tomorrow (Tuesday May 17).

Professor Currie last week was awarded the inaugural Chief Minister's
Research and Innovation Award for his melioidosis research in the Northern
Territory.

He is Professor of Medicine and Head of the Tropical and Emerging
Infectious Diseases Division at Menzies, Senior Staff Specialist Physician
at Royal Darwin Hospital, and Head of the Biomedical Program, at the
Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health.

Areas of interest include epidemiology and clinical aspects of tropical and
emerging infections, development of treatment guidelines and clinical
toxinology.

His work on melioidosis, a potentially fatal tropical infection, has saved
lives, improved recognition, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and
led to a drop in the death rate.

The lecture is the third in a Charles Darwin University series, Research,
Change and the Community. Admission is free, from 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
There will also be music by Brave New Works and refreshments will be
served.


Professor Currie is available for interview


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K