Update on number of dengue fever cases
**************************************
From November 16 to 22, the CHP recorded eight imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong in Mainland China (four cases), Malaysia (one case), the Philippines (one case), Thailand (one case) and Vietnam (one case) during the incubation period.
As of yesterday (November 22), 153 cases had been confirmed this year, of which 29 were local cases and 124 were imported cases. The imported cases were mainly from Thailand (34), Mainland China (29) and the Philippines (19).
DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia and beyond. In Guangdong, there were 2 752 cases in the first 10 months of this year. A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public that according to the health authority of Guangdong, the number of local DF cases recorded in Guangdong increased from 204 in August to 948 in September, and further to 1 313 in October. Members of the public are reminded to adopt personal protective measures against mosquitoes to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as DF when visiting Guangdong.
The latest figures for 2018 revealed that 75 349 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 634 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 175 in Japan. In Taiwan, 178 local cases have been recorded to date in 2018. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 66 644 cases have been filed in Mexico in 2018.
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.
To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika Virus Infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. 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 may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.
Ends/Friday, November 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:40
Issued at HKT 17:40
NNNN