****************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 24) 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 patients are two women aged 40 and 43. They have developed fever, headache, myalgia and skin rash since June 17. They were admitted to a private hospital on June 22. They are currently in stable condition.
Their blood specimens tested positive for the dengue NS1 antigen.
Preliminary enquiries revealed that the two patients were travel collaterals who travelled to Bali, Indonesia, in mid-June. The other travel collateral is asymptomatic so far.
Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
As of today, there have been 38 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/Monday, June 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:06
NNNN
