The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 6) reminded members of the public to observe travel health advice of some endemic diseases for better personal protection during travel in the summer vacation.

A. Dengue fever

     The CHP continues to record dengue fever (DF) cases in Hong Kong. From June 30 to July 5, five new cases were confirmed and the patients had been to Sri Lanka (two), Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia (one each) in the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (July 5), among the 53 cases in 2017, about one-third (17) were imported from Thailand, followed by Sri Lanka (nine), Indonesia and the Philippines (six each), with no local cases so far. Among the 35 male and 18 female patients aged 6 to 64, fever was the most common symptom, followed by myalgia, headache and rash. No severe dengue (also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever) or fatal cases were recorded.

     "Although symptoms of first infection are usually mild, the public should note that, once recovered, immunity to that serotype will develop but subsequent infections with other serotypes are more likely to result in severe dengue, which may progress to shock or death. If symptoms such as fever develop during travel, seek medical advice immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Dengue remains endemic in some areas in Asia and overseas. In 2017, 18 521 cases were recorded in Thailand, 1 470 in Singapore and 84 in Japan (since January 2). In the Americas, 3 782 were recorded in Mexico in 2017.

     DF is a mosquito-borne disease. Travellers should observe the CHP's special notes in their trip:
 

• If going to affected areas, arrange travel health consultation at least six weeks before the trip and have extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites;
• During the trip, if travelling in endemic rural 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 returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor.

B. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

     As countries in the Middle East, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), on and off reported cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), travellers should remain vigilant on the disease activity and avoid high-risk behaviour.

     "Studies show that humans were infected through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels which are a major reservoir host for MERS Coronavirus and an animal source of infection in humans. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact. We again urge travellers to the Middle East to avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry," the spokesman said.

     To date, 2 037 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization, with at least 710 deaths. There have been 1 821 cases in 10 Middle East countries including 1 669 in the KSA, 83 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, eight in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, two in Lebanon and one each in Yemen and Bahrain.

     Travellers may refer to the latest Travel Health News easily by selecting a destination or disease on the front page of the CHP's Travel Health Service. Health advice on DF, MERS, Zika Virus Infection and avian influenza are available for the public's easy reference.

     The CHP has also prepared easy-to-read infographics (see attachments) for the public and travellers on necessary health precautions both locally and during travel.

Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:06

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