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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 7) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the laboratory confirmation of a new case.
The case involved a 69-year-old man who developed fever, headache, muscle pain, bone pain and retro-orbital pain on March 23 while he was in Indonesia. He came back to Hong Kong on March 24 and was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island the next day. He was discharged on March 30 and is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigation revealed that the man went to Indonesia between March 10 and 24. All of his travel companions and family contacts are asymptomatic.
Eight cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.
A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent 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;
* Tightly cover 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 "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at 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, April 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:21
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