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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 28) investigating two related imported cases of dengue fever (DF). A CHP spokesman urged members of the public to take anti-mosquito precautions while they travel, especially to areas where DF is prevalent.
The first case is a woman aged 22 who has developed fever, headache and skin rash since May 19. She was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) on May 22. Her blood sample tested by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) was positive for dengue NS1 antigen.
The second case is a woman aged 21 who has developed similar symptoms since May 20. She sought medical attention from the Accident and Emergency Department of QMH on May 26 but did not require hospitalisation. Her blood sample tested by the PHLSB was positive for antibodies against dengue virus and dengue NS1 antigen.
Both patients are currently in stable condition.
Preliminary enquiries by the CHP revealed that the first case had travelled with a group of friends to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from May 5 to 22. The second case joined the group to Thailand from May 12 to 22. One travel collateral who returned to Hong Kong on May 22 with the two cases was asymptomatic. The remaining travel collaterals had not yet returned to Hong Kong. Investigations are proceeding.
There have been 24 confirmed cases of DF in 2014, and they were all imported cases. Last year 103 cases of imported DF were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.
The spokesman urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against DF:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms that 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 DF 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/Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:16
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