*****************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 31) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation by laboratory test of an imported case.
The case involved a 60-year-old woman living in Tsing Yi. She developed fever and chills on January 23 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on January 26. She is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Indonesia between January 10 and 24. Her travel companion did not have any symptoms of dengue fever.
This is the third imported case of dengue fever reported this year. There were 58 cases in 2007 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 to 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 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, January 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:57
NNNN