****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 21) investigating two imported and related cases of dengue fever, and hence urged members of the public to take precautions against the disease while they travel, especially to areas where dengue fever is prevalent.
The two patients are a woman and a man aged 24 and 31 respectively. They both developed fever since June 12. The woman was subsequently admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on June 18 while the man was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day for management. They are currently hospitalised in stable condition.
Their blood samples tested positive for the dengue antigen.
Preliminary enquiries revealed that both patients were travel collaterals who had travelled to Bali, Indonesia from June 2 to June 9, and were bitten by mosquitoes.
Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
As of today, there have been 36 confirmed cases of dengue fever this year and all are imported cases. In 2012, 53 imported cases of dengue fever were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.
A CHP spokesman urged travellers to take heed of 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.
Members of the public travelling to areas affected by dengue fever are advised to protect themselves against mosquitoes all year round. Travellers returning from those areas who feel unwell should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctors.
The latest information on dengue fever can be found under "Travel Health News" on the website of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers may visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Friday, June 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:18
NNNN
