Banksia protects troops in tropics

The case took the total from the outbreak to 523, and the jump north was a worrying sign for health authorities and the Defence forces, who had previously managed to confine it to areas around Cairns and Townsville.

This case was the second blow for authorities in as many weeks, following the emergence of the Type 2 Dengue fever strain.

The discovery of the Type 2 strain put health experts on high alert, as contracting more than one of the three strains would increase the chances of death.

Dengue Fever is primarily a disease of the tropical and sub tropical areas.

The four different Dengue serotypes are maintained in a cycle that involves humans and the Aedes mosquito.

Infections produce a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal hemorrhagic disease.

Banksia Scientific, a Brisbane-based supplier of medical diagnostics, is geared up to supply the SD Bioline Dengue DUO test - a rapid result test which tests the Dengue Virus Antigen (in early stages of infection) and the Dengue antibodies in the secondary stage of infection to perfect the Dengue infection diagnosis in all clinical stages.

The kit can be stored at room temperature and is a boon in the early diagnosis for troops stationed in the tropical regions.