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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 12) urged the public to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of an imported case by laboratory test.
The case involved an eight-year-old Canadian girl. She developed fever, chills and headache on December 5. She was admitted to a private hospital in Hong Kong Island on December 10, then transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on December 11. She is now in stable condition.
CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled in Indonesia between November 30 and December 3. Her travel collateral and home contacts did not have symptoms.
This is the 58th imported case of dengue fever reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 31 cases in 2006.
A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.
Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.
The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, 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/Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:15
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