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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the latest situation of dengue fever (DF) in Guangdong.
According to information from the health authority of Guangdong, as of September 11 a total of 2,175 cases of dengue fever had been recorded in Guangdong this year, as compared to 753 and 131 in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012 respectively.
"We are maintaining close liaison with the health authority of Guangdong to monitor the latest situation," said a spokesman for the CHP.
In Hong Kong, there have been 66 confirmed cases of DF in 2014, and they were all imported cases, mainly from Southeast Asia and one case from Guangdong. 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 loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing; 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/Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:16
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