Suspected local dengue fever case investigated
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected local case of dengue fever involving a 46-year-old man.

     The patient, who lives in Deep Water Bay, developed a headache on September 13 followed by fever, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhoea and rash.

     His blood samples taken on September 18 and 20 tested positive for Dengue virus IgM. Confirmatory tests have been conducted and results will be available later today.  

     His two sons (aged 8 and 18) also showed symptoms of fever with onset on September 6 and 10.  Blood investigation is being arranged.  His wife is asymptomatic.

     The man had no history of travel outside Hong Kong in the month before onset of symptoms. But he had travelled with his family to Thailand from August 8 to 12.

     Anti-mosquito measures are being implemented around his residence.

     An interdepartmental meeting will be held in the afternoon.

     A field visit to the patient's home and the surrounding area is being arranged by the CHP as a precautionary measure.

Ends/Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:20

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