The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 24) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From February 17 to 23, the CHP recorded two confirmed cases. The patients had been to Thailand (one) and Malaysia (one) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (February 23), 14 cases had been confirmed in 2017 and they were imported from Thailand (six), the Philippines (four), Malaysia (one), the Maldives (one), Sri Lanka (one) and multiple areas (one).

     The CHP has been closely monitoring the latest dengue situation in neighbouring and overseas areas. Regarding popular tourist attractions in Asia, the latest figures of 2017 revealed that 4 058 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 522 in Singapore and 25 in Japan since January 2. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 2 931 cases were filed in Mexico in 2017.

     Dengue viruses comprise four serotypes, each of which can lead to DF and severe dengue (dengue haemorrhagic fever). Symptoms of first infection are usually mild. After recovery, immunity to that serotype will develop, but subsequent infections of other serotypes are more likely to result in severe dengue, which is potentially fatal.

     DF is transmitted to humans by the bites of infective Aedes mosquitoes. When a dengue patient is bitten by a mosquito, it is infected and may spread the disease by biting other people. In Hong Kong, the principal vector, Aedes aegypti, is not found, but the prevailing species, Aedes albopictus, can also spread the disease.

     There is no locally registered dengue vaccine in Hong Kong. Eliminating stagnant water as breeding sites for mosquitoes and avoiding mosquito bites are key to preventing DF.

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF pages of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding.

Ends/Friday, February 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00

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