******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 5) investigating two linked imported cases of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.
The first patient is a 33-year-old woman with good past health. She had developed fever, muscle pain and skin rash since April 26. She was admitted to a private hospital on April 29. Her current condition is stable.
The second patient is a 25-year-old woman who is the first patient's travel collateral. She had developed fever since April 25 and eye pain since April 29. She consulted a private doctor on April 30 and did not require hospitalisation. She is now in stable condition.
Their blood samples tested positive for dengue NS1 antigen by Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
The CHP investigation revealed that the duo had travelled to Bali, Indonesia, between April 13 and 20. Their six other travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic. Investigations are on-going.
There have been 19 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2014, and they were all imported cases. Last year 103 cases of imported dengue fever were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.
A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms that are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctor.
The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Monday, May 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:08
NNNN
