Australia will intensify testing for the Zika virus in Queensland state where Aedes mosquitoes are found, authorities said on Saturday, adding that two new cases among local residents were the result of travel to affected countries.
Queensland's government has earmarked 400,000 Australian dollars ($283,000) to boost laboratory capacity, particularly in the northeastern city of Townsville, where testing will begin on March 1.
A AU$1 million public education campaign will also be rolled out in the state, which is on high alert for any entry of the disease from Australia's Asian and Pacific neighbors.