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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (February 19) investigating two linked and imported cases of dengue fever (DF), and hence urged members of the public to take precautions while they travel, especially to areas where DF is prevalent.
The first case involves a woman aged 29 who has developed fever, muscle pain, joint pain and skin rash since February 7. She was admitted to a private hospital on February 13 and was discharged on February 16. Her blood sample was positive for dengue NS1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).
In addition, her travel collateral, a female aged 31, has also developed fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and skin rash since February 11. She has sought medical attention from a private doctor and attended the out-patient clinic of a private hospital but no hospitalisation was required. Her blood sample was also positive for dengue NS1 antigen upon the PHLSB's testing.
Both patients are currently in stable condition.
Preliminary enquiries by the CHP revealed that they had travelled together to Sri Lanka from January 27 to February 3 while other travel collaterals had remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.
As of today, including the above two cases, the CHP has recorded five DF cases this year and all are imported cases. There were 103 and 53 DF cases respectively in 2013 and 2012 and all were imported.
"DF is an acute infectious disease caused by dengue viruses and is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Neighbouring Asian areas usually observe increases in DF cases during rainy seasons or approaching the end of rainy seasons," a spokesman for the DH explained.
Dengue viruses are mosquito-borne. DF is clinically characterised by sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and rash. In severe cases, it may progress to death.
"DF is now endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquitoes all year round. The DH's Port Health Office maintains liaison with the travel industry on the latest situation of DF in these countries," the spokesman added.
Travellers are urged to stay vigilant and take heed of the following preventive measures against mosquitoes:
* Wear loose, light-coloured long-sleeved clothing and trousers;
* Stay in air-conditioned residences or places with mosquito screens;
* If mosquito screens or air-conditioning are absent, aerosol insecticide and bed nets are advised;
* Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing;
* Use insect repellents containing DEET in addition to applying sunscreen while staying in beaches; and
* Carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin on it as well as to clothes if travelling to rural areas where dengue fever is prevalent.
Travellers returning from areas where DF is prevalent who feel unwell should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctors.
The latest information on DF in other areas can be found under "Travel Health News" on the website of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk). The public may also visit the CHP's DF page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/19.html) for more information on relevant preventive measures.
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers may also visit the above websites for the latest news and advice on DF.
Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:28
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