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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation today (July 20) of an imported case by laboratory test.
The patient, a 32-year-old woman living in Sha Tin, developed fever and myalgia on June 29 and was admitted to a private hospital in the district on July 3. She was discharged on July 5.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Singapore with a colleague from June 20 to 23 and to Australia alone between June 23 and 28. Her colleague has no symptoms of dengue fever.
This is the 14th imported dengue fever so far this year. 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;
* Tightly cover 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/Friday, July 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:34
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