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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test today (August 27).
The case involved a 38-year-old woman living in Tseung Kwan O. She travelled to Thailand between August 1 and 5 and developed fever and headache on August 6. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on August 20. She has recovered and discharged on August 27. Her three travel companions have no symptoms of dengue fever.
A total of 35 cases (34 imported and one pending classification) of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 31 cases in 2006.
A spokesman for CHP urged members of the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and help preventing mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks; and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.
Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.
The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under ¡§Outbreak News¡¨ on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html. Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Monday, August 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:08
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