Malaria in Australia - Torres Strait
10 Jun 2025
Queensland health authorities reported 2 cases of malaria on islands of the Torres Strait during May 2025. Malaria is not usually seen in Australia but occasional cases occur in the islands of the Torres Strait which are between northern Queensland and the south coast of Papua New Guinea.
Advice for Travellers
Malaria is a potentially serious infection transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.
If you are travelling to the Torres Strait, you should:
- understand your risk of malaria
- know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites at all times during your trip, to help prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne infections
- where possible, reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your accommodation.
If you develop a high temperature (fever) during your trip, or after you return home from an area where malaria is a risk, seek medical advice as soon as possible and tell the doctor about your recent travel history.
See the fitfortravel malaria section for further information.