CHP investigates local case of dengue fever
*******************************************
The patient is a 28-year-old man with good past health. He developed a fever on April 20 and visited a private doctor the following day. He presented with generalised skin rash on April 22. He sought medical attention at St Paul's Hospital on April 23 and 24 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on April 24, and was admitted for treatment. He is now in stable condition. His blood sample was tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient lives in Cheerful Garden in Siu Sai Wan. He had no travel history within the incubation period and recalled no history of mosquito bites in the past three weeks. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance.
"The DH is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent possible spread of infection. The FEHD's vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. The CHP's epidemiological investigations will continue," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Officers of the CHP has inspected the patient's residence and will conduct field investigations to neighbouring residents by questionnaire surveys.
Persons who have been to Cheerful Garden in Siu Sai Wan with DF symptoms should call the CHP's hotline (2125 2371) which will operate from 9am to 5pm from tomorrow (April 26) to April 28, and from 9am to 5.30pm starting from April 29, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. Furthermore, the CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 10.30am on April 27 at Siu Sai Wan Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody test for people in the district with relevant symptoms.
"Letters will be issued to local doctors and hospital to alert them to the latest situation," the spokesman added.
This is the first local DF case recorded this year. Meanwhile, 19 imported DF cases had been recorded so far this year.
"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.
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.
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 should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Ends/Thursday, April 25, 2024
Issued at HKT 21:45
Issued at HKT 21:45
NNNN