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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged people to guard against dengue fuscle painever following the confirmation today (October 9) of two imported cases by laboratory test.
The first case involved a 39-year-old man living alone in Sheung Wan. He developed fever, chills and muscle pain on October 2 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital from October 6 to 8. He is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to the Philippines with five friends from September 22 to 26. His travel collaterals did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
In the second case, a 56-year-old woman living in Sha Tin developed fever, joint pain and skin rash on September 23. She was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the same day. She recovered and was discharged on September 30.
Initial enquiries showed that she had travelled with her husband to Guangdong from September 15 to 22. Her family members did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
A total of 51 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 people to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and help preventing mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
กฏ Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
กฏ Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
กฏ Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks; and
กฏ Keep all drains free from blockage.
Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
กฏ Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
กฏ Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body; and
กฏ 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/Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:47
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