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The Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on Mosquito-borne Diseases (ICC) convened an urgent meeting today (June 4) to examine the latest situation of dengue fever (DF) and mosquito control actions that need to be strengthened in view of the first local DF case this year.
"This first local case in 2015, with an onset of symptoms in late May, is the earliest among all local cases recorded since DF became notifiable in 1994. We are highly concerned as once local transmission of dengue viruses is established, there may be a rapid surge of cases within a short period which can reach tens of thousands," the Chairman of the ICC and Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Leung Ting-hung, said.
While the meeting endorsed the enhancement of mosquito control actions, members of the public are reminded to make reports to government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.
As of yesterday (June 3), 35 DF cases had been confirmed this year, namely this local case and 34 imported cases. Of note, 34 cases were recorded in the first five months in 2015, which is the highest level in the corresponding period in the past decade, with figures ranging from six to 33 (mean: 17).
Regarding neighbouring areas, in Taiwan, 212 DF cases, including two deaths, have been recorded to date in 2015. In Guangdong, 30 cases have been recorded so far, including three local cases. Turning to popular tourist attractions in Asia that are also DF-endemic areas, the dengue activity remains high. In Malaysia, 41 451 cases have been recorded so far this year, while 21 962 have been recorded in the Philippines, 15 207 have been recorded in Thailand and 3 373 have been recorded in Singapore.
Dengue viruses encompass four different serotypes. The symptoms of first infection with one are usually mild, but subsequent infections with the others even years afterwards are more likely to result in a serious complication, namely dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF is a severe and potentially fatal complication. Without proper treatment, the DHF case fatality rate can exceed 20 per cent.
Strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures remain the most effective means against DF both locally and during travel.
Avoid mosquito bites
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Travellers should stay alert to the DF risk before departing, and take heed of the preventive measures below:
* Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers, and use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing;
* Avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skin care products and re-apply insect repellents according to instructions in outdoor activities;
* Before the trip, arrange travel health consultation at least six weeks in advance for any extra measures against mosquito bites; and
* During the trip, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin (an insecticide) on it in rural endemic areas. Permethrin should not be applied to skin.
The incubation period of DF ranges from three to 14 days, commonly four to seven days. Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctors.
Remove breeding sites
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Members of the public should also prevent the accumulation of stagnant water and maintain good environmental hygiene:
* Change the water in vases once a week;
* Clear the water in saucers under potted plants every week;
* Cover water containers tightly;
* Ensure air-conditioner drip trays are free of stagnant water;
* Put all used cans and bottles into covered dustbins; and
* Store food and dispose of garbage properly.
Today, 19 government bureaux/departments or organisations attended the meeting. They are the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Education Bureau, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the DH, the Highways Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Hospital Authority, the Housing Department, the Information Services Department, the Lands Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Transport Department and the Water Supplies Department.
Ends/Thursday, June 4, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:12
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