CHP notified of additional imported Zika Virus Infection in Mainland
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The male patient aged 28 developed fever and headache in Guatemala on September 4 and returned to Henan on September 8. He was detected as febrile with rash upon arrival and was hospitalised for management in stable condition.
To date, 23 imported cases of Zika Virus Infection have been notified in the Mainland.
The CHP's Port Health Office has stepped up inspection at boundary control points (BCPs) to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control. Port Health Inspectors have reinforced training for contractors of BCPs, including at the airport, harbour ports and ground crossings, on port hygiene and pest control for effective vector prevention. Health promotion at BCPs has been enhanced through pamphlets and posters to alert travellers to necessary measures against Zika.
"Routine health surveillance on the body temperature of inbound travellers at all boundary control points is ongoing. Suspected cases will be referred to healthcare facilities for follow-up. However, at present, around 70 to 80 per cent of infected people are asymptomatic and most can recover fully. Therefore, we again urge those arriving from Zika-affected areas to apply insect repellent for at least 21 days upon arrival to reduce the risk of transmission," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The CHP has been working closely with the travel industry and stakeholders, especially agents operating tours in Zika-affected areas and personnel receiving travellers in those areas (particularly pregnant women), to regularly update them on the latest disease information and health advice.
"We are maintaining close liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments," the spokesman said.
Apart from general measures on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, the public should take heed of the special notes below:
A. Travelling abroad
- If going to affected areas, travellers, especially those with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should consult a doctor at least six weeks before the trip and take extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites;
- Those arriving from affected areas should apply insect repellent for at least 21 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, such as having fever, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor;
B. Sexual transmission
- Consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else condoms should be used;
- Those arriving from affected areas should consider not having sex for at least six months upon arrival, or else condoms should be used;
C. Pregnant women
- Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should not travel to affected areas. All travellers including pregnant women should use mosquito repellent containing DEET during travel and for at least 21 days upon arrival;
- Attend antenatal follow-up regularly and provide travel history to the doctor;
- Observe for compatible symptoms and seek medical advice as soon as possible if feeling unwell; and
- Abstain from sex with a partner who has travelled to affected areas, or else condoms should be used throughout the pregnancy.
The public may visit the following pages for more information: the Zika page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Outbound Travel Alert page of the Security Bureau, anti-mosquito precautions for women and the WHO's Zika virus situation reports.
Ends/Monday, September 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:44
Issued at HKT 18:44
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