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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 12) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of an imported case by laboratory test.
The patient, a 25-year-old man living in Yuen Long, developed fever, headache, dizziness, and tiredness on June 13 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on June 25. He had recovered and was discharged on June 26.
His home contacts did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to Cambodia with 10 companions from June 4 to 11. One of his companions, a 20-year-old woman, developed similar symptoms on June 11 and the case was classified as imported dengue fever on July 9 (please see press release issued on July 9 for more details).
Today's case is the 12th imported dengue fever reported in 2007. There were 31 cases in 2006 and all of them were classified as imported cases.
A spokesman for CHP urged people to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and help preventing mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* 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 free from blockage.
Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.
The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html. Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Thursday, July 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:22
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