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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 3) investigating two linked imported cases of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.
The first patient is a 33-year-old woman with good past health. She developed fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash and vomiting since March 29. She was admitted to a private hospital on April 1 and she is now in a stable condition.
The second patient is the first patient's 32-year-old husband, who developed similar symptoms since March 29. He was admitted to the same private hospital on April 2 and he is now in a stable condition.
Their blood samples tested positive for dengue NS1 antigen at a private laboratory.
The CHP investigation revealed that they had travelled to Bali, Indonesia between March 20 and 30. Two of their travel collaterals, a 40-year-old woman and a 6-month-old baby girl, presented with similar symptoms since March 31 and March 30 respectively. The 40-year-old woman was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on April 2 while the 6-month-old baby girl received a medical consultation from a private doctor on April 1 and no hospitalisation was required. They are currently in stable condition. Their blood samples tested negative for dengue fever at a private laboratory.
Other two travel collaterals remained asymptomatic. Investigations are on-going.
There have been 10 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2014 as of today, and they were all imported cases. Last year 103 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/Thursday, April 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:09
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