The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 26) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From October 19 to 25, the CHP recorded five imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong, Mainland China (three cases, including one case epidemiologically linked to a case from last week), India (one case) and Thailand (one case) during the incubation period. 
 
     A spokesman for the DH advised members of the public that the health authority of Guangdong announced earlier on that Guangdong has entered the peak season of DF and the number of local cases recorded was higher than the average in the same period from 2015 to 2017. Members of the public are reminded to adopt personal protective measures against mosquitoes to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as DF when visiting Guangdong.

     As of yesterday (October 25), 132 cases had been confirmed this year, of which 29 were local cases and 103 were imported cases. The imported cases were mainly from Thailand (32), Mainland China (22) and the Philippines (16). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2018 revealed that 67 968 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 319 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 150 in Japan. In Taiwan, 157 local cases have been recorded to date in 2018. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 203 157 and 48 926 cases have been filed in Brazil and Mexico respectively in 2018.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

Ends/Friday, October 26, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:30

NNNN