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The Department of Health (DH) today (August 12) confirmed one more imported case of dengue fever and urged the public to guard against the disease.

A DH spokesman said the case involved a 46-year-old man. The patient developed fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea on August 2, one day after returning from a Southeast Asian country. On August 7, he was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital with rash on his trunk and limbs.

Based on the clinical features and laboratory tests results, the patient is suffering from dengue haemorrhagic fever. He is now in stable condition.

The spokesman said: "Public alertness to the threat of dengue fever and their active participation in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions against mosquito bites are essential to prevent dengue fever."

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of the infectious Aedes mosquito. The dengue viruses include four serotypes.

The spokesman said: "Dengue fever is often mild and self-limiting. Recovery from an initial infection caused by one serotype provides lifelong immunity against the serotype only.

"Subsequent infection by another serotype of the dengue virus increases the risk of acquiring the more serious disease, dengue haemorrhagic fever. With proper treatment, most patients can recover.

"Persons with a history of dengue fever are particularly reminded to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites," the spokesman said.

Members of the public are urged to actively participate in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. They should:

* put all used cans and bottles in covered dustbins,

* change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots,

* cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and

* keep all drains clear.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:

* wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;

* use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and

* use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

So far in 2003, 25 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Hong Kong.

End/Tuesday, August 12, 2003

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