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The Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) called on people to take preventive measures against dengue fever while travelling to South East Asian countries.
The appeal was made following recent reports of a rise in the number of cases of dengue fever in this area, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.
The department's acting Chief Port Health Officer, Dr SM Chan, said dengue fever was an endemic disease in Southeast Asian countries and travellers should be vigilant at all time to prevent infectious diseases.
She said the department would step up measures at the Hong Kong International Airport to provide travellers with relevant health advice.
ˇ§Information leaflets will be disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore to remind them to take precautionary measures during and after their trips,ˇ¨ Dr Chan said.
Arrangements have also been made with the airlines to broadcast health messages on board all in-bound flights from these places to remind travellers to be vigilant against the disease.
The travel industry has been alerted about the situation and provided with relevant health advice.
Meanwhile, publicity education, including TV and Radio Announcement in Public Interest are being broadcast locally to remind members of the public of the precautionary measures.
ˇ§The department will closely monitor the situation in Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore,ˇ¨ Dr Chan added.
Dr Chan urged travellers to take the following preventive measures while visiting these places to avoid mosquito bites:
? Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
? Use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and
? Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Travellers coming back from these places are advised to seek medical consultation as soon as possible if they feel unwell, including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and inform the doctor of their travel history.
People can call the department's 24-hour Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) or visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection (http://www.chp.gov.hk) for useful information and prevention of dengue fever.
Latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the department's Hong Kong Travel Health Service website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk. Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Friday, September 2, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:25
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