Dengue rapid antigen tests enable prompt outbreak detection and a rapid public health response in the remote Torres Strait, Australia

Abstract

We write in supplement of the early 2024 outbreak of dengue on Mer Island in the Torres Strait which was published in Volume 48 of Communicable Disease Intelligence. During a three-day period in November 2024, four residents presented to the Masig (Yorke) Island Primary Healthcare Centre in the Torres Strait with fever, myalgia, and headache. None reported any recent overseas travel. The Torres and Cape Public Health Unit recommended testing with the point-of-care and all four patients returned positive dengue rapid tests (three NS1 reactive, one IgM and IgG reactive). Confirmatory pathology was collected for laboratory testing. A local dengue outbreak was declared, and a public health response immediately initiated. As with prior dengue outbreaks in the region, the public health response included harbourage spraying, active case finding and health promotion. The dengue rapid antigen tests proved reliable, acceptable, and easy-to-use. Their use enabled prompt outbreak detection and a swift public health response in this remote setting where there is an ongoing risk of dengue outbreaks.