******************************************
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 (September 1).
The case involved a 29-year-old woman living in Tai Po. She developed fever and headache on August 16 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on August 21. She had recovered and was discharged on August 27.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Thailand with her mother from August 4 to 16. Her home contacts did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
There have been a total of 39 imported cases of dengue fever so far this year. There were 31 cases in 2006 and all of them were classified as imported cases.
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 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/Saturday, September 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:41
NNNN
