CHP notified of case of imported Zika Virus Infection in Guangdong
******************************************************************
The male patient aged 21 returning from Thailand arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on April 26. He was detected as febrile with cough and headache upon arrival. The case was laboratory confirmed subsequently and he was under isolation and management in stable condition.
The CHP's Port Health Office (PHO) has introduced a requirement on aircraft disinsection for all inbound aircraft from Zika-affected areas since April 2017 to prevent importation of diseases through infected mosquitoes. The PHO has also stepped up inspection and health promotion at boundary control points (BCPs) to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control.
"Routine health surveillance on body temperature of inbound travellers at all BCPs is ongoing. However, infected persons are mainly asymptomatic. Therefore, we 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.
"We are maintaining close liaison with the World Health Organization as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments," the spokesman added.
Apart from general measures on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, the public should take heed of the advice listed below:
A. Travelling abroad
- If going to affected areas, travellers, especially persons with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should arrange a consultation with doctor at least six weeks before the trip, and have extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites;
- During the trip, if travelling in rural affected areas, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin (an insecticide) on it. Permethrin should not be applied to skin. Seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell; and
- Travellers who return from affected areas should apply insect repellent for at least 21 days after arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell e.g. having fever, should seek medical advice promptly, and provide travel details to doctor.
B. Sexual transmission
- Travellers should consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else condom should be used; and
- Male and female travellers returning from affected areas should abstain from sex for at least three months and at least two months respectively upon return, or else condom should be used.
C. Pregnant women
- Pregnant women and women preparing for pregnancy should not travel to affected areas. Use of mosquito repellent containing DEET during travel and returning from these areas for a period of at least 21 days are advised for all travellers including pregnant women;
- attend antenatal follow up regularly and tell the attending doctor history of recent travel;
- observe for symptoms of Zika virus infection and seek medical advice as soon as possible if feeling unwell; and
- abstain from sex with her partner who had travelled to affected areas, or else condom should be used throughout the pregnancy.
The public may visit the Zika pages of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Outbound Travel Alert page of the Security Bureau and anti-mosquito precautions for women for more information.
Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:47
Issued at HKT 19:47
NNNN