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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 17).
The first case involved a nine-year-old boy living in Sham Shui Po. He developed fever and rash on September 4 and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on September 9. He has recovered and was discharged on September 10.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to Jamaica from July 16 to August 31. His family members and travel companions did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
In the second case, a 44-year-old man living in Aberdeen developed fever on September 6. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on September 10. He has recovered and was discharged on September 14.
Initial enquiries showed that he had travelled to the Philippines from August 30 to September 3. His family members and travel companions did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
A total of 44 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 travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Monday, September 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:26
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