********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 30) urged people to be on guard against mosquito-borne diseases when travelling overseas following confirmation of an imported case of Chikungunya Fever.
A CHP spokesman said this was the first case of Chikungunya Fever reported to the CHP in 2008.
The patient, a 34-year-old woman, visited Sri-Lanka between December 20, 2007, and January 10 this year. She developed fever and joint pain on December 27.
The woman sought medical treatment from a private doctor on January 16 and has recovered.
Laboratory test results available today confirmed that she was infected by the Chikungunya virus. Her family members, who also travelled with her, do not have any symptoms.
A CHP spokesman said epidemics had occurred in Africa, Asia and Indian Ocean Islands.
"The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. The disease is characterised by fever, headache, and joint pain of the wrist, knee, ankle, and small joints.
"Some patients may develop a rash affecting the trunk and limbs. The illness is usually self-limiting (will go away without treatment) and lasts for three to 10 days, although the joint pain may last for weeks to months. The incubation period is one to 12 days," he said.
There is no vaccine for Chikungunya Fever. People are reminded to stay alert to mosquito-borne diseases. Travellers should adopt the following measures to avoid mosquito bites when travelling overseas:
* Avoid visiting mosquito-infested areas.
* Avoid visiting forests or areas with monkeys;
* Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers light in colour for protection against mosquitoes;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body.
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
* Travellers returning from countries where Chikungunya is endemic and suffering from symptoms of the disease should seek prompt medical advice.
The latest information on infectious diseases in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html).
Ends/Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:26
NNNN