Update on dengue fever and chikungunya fever
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A. Dengue fever
Regarding imported DF cases, from September 30 to yesterday (October 6), two were recorded and the patients had been to India and the Philippines respectively during the incubation period (IP). The 101 imported cases so far in 2016 were mainly from Indonesia (33), the Philippines (15) and Thailand (14). As for local cases, four have been detected to date in 2016.
"Of note, the number of DF cases recorded in the first nine months in 2016 (103 cases) is a record high in comparison with the same period of the last decade from 2006 to 2015 (from 20 to 84)," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Ovitrap indices (OIs) for Aedes albopictus in September have so far recorded that the OI in Kai Tak North (23.7 per cent) and Pokfulam (23.1 per cent) exceeded 20 per cent and reached the alert level, indicating that infestation of the mosquito exceeds one-fifth of the area surveyed.
Members of the public 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 promptly.
In Taiwan, 377 local cases have been filed to date in 2016, 46 344 cases in Thailand, 12 114 in Singapore since January 3, and 272 in Japan since January 4.
B. Chikungunya fever
From September 30 to yesterday, an additional imported CF case was confirmed and the patient had been to India during the IP. The seven cases so far in 2016 were imported from India (six) and the Philippines (one). In 2015 and 2014, one and two imported cases were filed respectively.
In India, 26 385 cases have been reported to date in 2016 with around a quarter (6 667) from Delhi.
CF is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the chikungunya virus. It is clinically characterised by fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged for weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Although one vector, Aedes aegypti, is not found in Hong Kong, the other vector, Aedes albopictus, is widely distributed locally. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight hours, though there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," the spokesman said.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the CF page of the CHP, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding.
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:40
Issued at HKT 16:40
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