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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 14) investigating three related cases of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the three patients had been staying in New Delhi, India, before the onset of symptoms.
The first patient was a 46-year-old man who developed fever, chills, poor appetite, headache and dizziness on September 2. He returned to Hong Kong on September 4. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital upon arrival and is now in stable condition.
The second patient was a 56-year-old man who presented with headache and chills on September 6. He travelled back to Hong Kong on September 10. He was then admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and is now in stable condition.
The third patient, a 58-year-old man, developed fever, chills and muscle pain on September 8 and went back to Hong Kong on September 11. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day and is now stable.
Blood samples from all three patients were tested positive for dengue virus.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
A total of 57 cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 43 cases in 2009 and all of them were classified as imported.
A spokesman for the CHP urged the travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms which are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice 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, September 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:06
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