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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation today (July 25) of two imported cases by laboratory test.
In the first case, a 46-year-old man living in Kwai Chung, developed fever, headache and rash on July 18. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 21 and is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to Thailand with three friends from July 12 to 16. His friends did not have any symptoms of dengue fever.
The second case involved a 37-year-old woman arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland on July 18. She was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on the same day and was discharged on July 23.
Enquiries by CHP showed that she developed fever, headache and rash on July 14. She had travelled to the Mainland, India and Singapore alone from July 3 to 14.
There have been 17 imported cases of 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 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/Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:36
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