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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 (October 2) of two imported cases by laboratory test.
The first case involved a 43-year-old female tourist who had travelled to Malaysia and arrived in Hong Kong on September 26. She developed fever, headache and bone pain on September 23 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on September 27. She has recovered and was discharged on September 29.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Malaysia with her husband on September 7. Her husband also developed fever, bone pain and headache on September 23. He saw a general practitioner in Malaysia and recovered before arrival in Hong Kong.
In the second case, a 48-year-old woman living in Tin Shui Wai developed fever, cold and bone pain on September 21. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on September 26. She is now still in hospital in a stable condition.
She had travelled to Indonesia from September 16 to 23. Her family members did not have any symptom of dengue fever.
A total of 47 imported cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 31 cases in 2006.
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 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/Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:05
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