Update on dengue fever
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From April 19 to yesterday, the CHP recorded one local DF case and two imported DF cases. For the imported cases, one of the patients had been to Malaysia, and the other had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.
Regarding the local DF case announced yesterday, no linked case has been identified so far. Meanwhile, blood samples of the patient's two household contacts tested negative for dengue virus upon laboratory testing. As at 4pm today, the CHP has contacted over 520 residents from about 200 households of Cheerful Garden in Siu Sai Wan. None of them indicated that they presented with relevant DF symptoms.
In addition, officers from the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) inspected the patient's workplace in Causeway Bay today. During the inspection, a construction site under operation was found at the workplace. The CHP has recommended relevant premises to strengthen their anti-mosquito measures.
The CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 10.30am tomorrow (April 27) at Siu Sai Wan Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms. The CHP appeals to the neighbouring residents to attend the activity and continue their support to the CHP's epidemiological investigations by providing relevant information to the CHP through completing the questionnaire surveys.
Also, persons who have been to Cheerful Garden with DF symptoms are reminded to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2371) which has been operating from 9am to 5pm from today to April 28, and from 9am to 5pm starting from April 29, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate.
As of yesterday, 20 cases of DF, including 19 imported cases and one local case, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.
According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, has resulted in close to a historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 3 million cases, reaching a record number of cases. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).
"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/Friday, April 26, 2024
Issued at HKT 20:25
Issued at HKT 20:25
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