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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 two imported cases by laboratory test today (September 13).
The first case involved a 70-year-old man living in Kwai Chung. He developed fever, headache, arthralgia and rash on September 7, and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and is now in stable condition. He traveled alone to Thailand from June 1 to September 7. His two home contacts were asymptomatic.
The second case involved a 46-year-old woman living in Wong Tai Sin. She traveled to Cambodia between August 10 and 17 and had developed fever, vomiting and rash since August 21. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on August 28. She has recovered and was discharged on September 3.
She was traveling with 13 companions, including her son, a 13-year-old boy, who was confirmed to have dengue fever infection on August 27. He has recovered after hospitalisation.
Laboratory tests on blood specimens taken from seven other travel companions were negative.
A total of 41 imported cases 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 travelers.
Ends/Thursday, September 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:04
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