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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two imported and related cases of dengue fever and has urged people to guard against the disease.
The first patient is a 42-year-old man who developed fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia and retro-orbital pain since May 5. He was admitted to a private hospital on May 8. The second patient is his 10-year-old daughter, who developed similar symptoms since May 9. She was admitted to the same private hospital on May 10. They have recovered and were discharged on May 13.
Their blood samples tested positive for the dengue virus and antibodies against the dengue virus.
The CHP's investigation revealed that they had travelled to Bali, Indonesia, and both were bitten by mosquitoes. The travelling period of the male patient was from April 27 to May 5 while the girl travelled from April 25 to May 5.
The CHP will follow up on the cases.
There have been 29 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2013 as of today (May 14), and they were all imported. Last year 53 cases of imported dengue fever were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.
A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms which are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their 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, May 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:43
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