Update on local case of dengue fever
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"Further genetic analysis reveals that her blood specimen tested positive for serotype 1 dengue virus upon testing by our Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, different from serotype 3 of the three local cases earlier. While further laboratory investigations are under way, in view of a possibly new cluster other than that in Central/Mid-Levels, we are conducting extensive investigations with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to control the possible spread," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and field investigations by questionnaire surveys at the patient's residence (Tin Ma Court, Wong Tai Sin) for active case finding and arranging blood tests. As of 5pm, 25 questionnaires involving 53 persons had been collected and all were asymptomatic.
Four local cases have been detected to date in 2016. While epidemiological investigations into the first three local cases are ongoing, persons who have been to the vicinity of Central/Mid-Levels or Tin Ma Court in Wong Tai Sin with DF symptoms should call the CHP's hotline (2125 2266) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. As of 5pm, 62 calls had been received since the hotline commenced operation on August 7 with no abnormalities identified so far.
The CHP and the FEHD held a joint health talk in Tin Ma Court this afternoon to deliver health advice to residents and the public.
As of 5pm, blood tests had been arranged for 26 persons with no abnormalities so far.
Members of the public, especially residents and workers in Central and Wong Tai Sin, should:
- Inspect the household or workplace to check for potential mosquito breeding sites and remove them. Leave no stagnant water;
- Apply DEET-containing insect repellents to exposed parts of the body and clothing; and
- If fever, rash, pain behind the eyes or muscle or joint pain develop, seek medical attention early.
A situation update has been uploaded to the CHP's DF page. General measures on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding are also available online.
Ends/Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:15
Issued at HKT 19:15
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