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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is investigating a confirmed case of dengue fever (DF) this evening (September 17), and hence again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
"Although the patient travelled to Huizhou, Guangdong (GD), during the incubation period, according to the GD Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (GDCDC), to date, local DF cases have not been reported in Huizhou. The possibility of a locally acquired infection in Hong Kong cannot be ruled out at this stage. As a precautionary measure, we are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent any possible spread, while GDCDC will enhance surveillance of DF," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The female patient, aged 59 with good past health, has developed fever, headache and rash since September 9 and attended the Accident & Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital (UCH) on September 15 while hospitalisation was not required. She had follow-up consultation at UCH again yesterday (September 16) and has been in stable condition.
Her serum specimen tested positive for dengue virus NS1 antigen and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to dengue virus upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch today.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient lives in Sau Mau Ping Estate, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, and worked in Hiu Lai Court near her residence. She occasionally went to a park nearby. According to the patient, she visited Boluo, Huizhou, on September 1 and stayed in her relative's residence. She returned to Hong Kong the following day (September 2).
Her home contacts and travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic so far and have been put under medical surveillance.
"Upon notification and laboratory confirmation, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and promptly informed the FEHD for vector investigation and mosquito control. As a precautionary measure, the CHP's investigations and health education in the vicinity where the patient frequented are proceeding," the spokesman added.
Officers of the CHP will conduct site visit and field investigation by questionnaire surveys at the patient's residence and workplace for active case finding and arranging blood tests.
Persons who have been to the vicinity of Sau Mau Ping Estate or Hiu Lai Court with DF symptoms should call the CHP's DF hotline (2125 1133) for laboratory investigation or referral to hospital as appropriate. It operated until 9pm today and will operate from 9am to 6pm tomorrow (September 18).
A joint health talk with the FEHD will be held to deliver health advice to residents and the public.
To date, 77 DF cases have been confirmed this year including one local and 75 imported cases and this one under investigation. In 2014, there were three local and 109 imported cases. In 2013, 103 cases were filed and all were imported.
"We will issue letters to doctors and private hospitals to alert them to the case. We will also enhance the surveillance of suspected DF cases in collaboration with public hospitals under the Hospital Authority, private hospitals and private doctors. Early referral and prompt control are critical to prevent further local spread of DF," the spokesman said.
"Dengue viruses encompass four different serotypes. The symptoms of first infection with one serotype are usually mild, but subsequent infections with other serotypes even years afterward are more likely to result in severe dengue, also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Severe dengue is serious and potentially fatal. Without proper treatment, the case fatality rate of severe dengue can exceed 20 per cent," the spokesman said.
According to the World Health Organization, although clinical trials on humans for some dengue vaccine candidates are ongoing, none are now available and registered with any drug regulatory authorities. Strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures hence remain the most effective means against DF both locally and during travel.
Travellers are urged to stay alert to the dengue risk of travel destinations 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 the 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.
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.
Members of the public are reminded to make reports to government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected, and may visit the pages below for more information:
* The CHP's DF page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/38847.html);
* The DF page of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html);
* The DH's latest Travel Health News (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/outbreaknews.html);
* The CHP's tips for using insect repellents (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/38927.html);
* The CHP Facebook Page (www.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection);
* The CHP YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel); and
* The FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/safefood/handbook_prev_mos_breeding.html).
Ends/Thursday, September 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:35
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