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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 (August 24) of three cases by laboratory test.
The first case involved a 39-year-old man living alone in North District. He developed fever, headache and tiredness since August 17 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on August 20. He recovered and was discharged today.
The patient in the second case is a 25-year-old man who lives in Tuen Mun. He developed fever, muscle pain, and eye pain on August 16 and sought medical consultation from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on August 17. He has recovered. His home contact did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
CHP's investigations revealed that both patients were Hong Kong residents working in the same outdoor workplace in Macau. They are also the co-workers of another dengue fever patient who was confirmed by CHP on August 10. Both spent most of the time in Macau during the incubation period. Based on the available evidence gathered, they are classified as imported cases of dengue fever. CHP has notified and liaised with the Macau health authority about these cases and for further investigation action.
CHP also confirmed another case involving a 27-year-old woman who lives in Tsuen Wan. She developed headache, fever and rash on August 20 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (August 23). She is now in stable condition. Her four home contacts did not have any symptoms. The patient had travelled to Indonesia from August 5 to 19.
CHP will issue letter to doctors informing them about the recent dengue fever situation in the region and alert public and private hospitals to maintain vigilance. The Department of Health will also enhance health education on dengue fever at ferry terminals as well as to the general population. The department has also liaised with the Pest Control Advisory Section of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to maintain a high level of mosquito control measures in Hong Kong.
A total of 34 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP 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 prevent 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/Friday, August 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:08
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