The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 10) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From November 3 to 9, the CHP recorded five confirmed DF cases. The patients had been to Indonesia (one case), the Mainland (one case), the Maldives (one case) and multiple countries (two cases, with patients who had been to Mexico and Mainland as well as Laos and Thailand) during the incubation period.

     As of November 9, a total of 95 cases of DF had been confirmed in 2017, including one local case. The 94 imported cases were mainly imported from Thailand (20), the Philippines (13), Sri Lanka (11) and Vietnam (11).

     Dengue remains endemic in some areas in Asia. The latest figures for 2017 revealed that 44 927 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 457 in Singapore and 220 in Japan (since January 2).

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and long trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika Virus Infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below: 
 

• Read carefully the label instructions first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

Ends/Friday, November 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:20

NNNN