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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health urged members of the public to adopt precautionary measures against dengue fever following the confirmation of four imported cases by laboratory test today (August 16).
A spokesman for CHP said the patients, comprising three men and one woman, all had a travel history before the onset of illness. These cases are therefore classified as imported ones.
One of the cases involved a 51-year-old man living in Sha Tin who developed fever, headache and rash on August 9. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on August 12 and was discharged today.
CHP's investigation revealed that he had travelled to the Philippines from August 3 to 6. CHP is contacting his companions to follow-up on their health conditions. His home contacts did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
The three other cases involved members of a group visiting the Philippines from July 23 to August 5.
One of the affected is a 16-year-old man living in Tsing Yi. He developed headache, fever, rash and joint pain on August 6. He was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on August 12 and is now in stable condition.
Another group member, a 30-year-old man living in Sha Tin, developed similar symptoms on August 9. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on August 14. He is now in stable condition.
A 34-year-old woman living in Southern District, developed symptoms of dengue fever on August 10. She was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on August 14 and transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital. She is now in stable condition.
CHP had contacted the remaining 13 group members. Among them, a 27-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man showed symptoms suggestive of dengue fever. They were admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital and a private hospital in Kowloon respectively. Tests are being conducted and test results on dengue fever are pending.
As of today, there were 25 cases of imported dengue fever this year. There were 31 cases in 2006 and all of them were classified as imported cases.
The spokesman urged members of the public 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, August 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:55
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