CHP investigates one imported infection case of Zika virus
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The case involves a 38-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses, who had developed a fever and rash on April 24. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital on April 25, and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for management. His blood specimen tested positive for Zika virus today. He has been in stable condition all along.
After the case was confirmed by a laboratory test, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigations. An initial investigation revealed that that the patient had stayed in Thailand from April 10 to 18. He recalled mosquito bites during his travel. His home contacts and travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic so far. Contact tracing and a follow-up investigation by the CHP are ongoing. The CHP will report the case to the health authority of Thailand.
According to the World Health Organization, multiple countries/areas in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia (including Thailand) have recorded current or previous Zika virus transmissions. The CHP has informed the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on vector surveillance and control. Zika virus infection is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong, and suspected or confirmed cases must be promptly notified for investigation, control and surveillance.
A spokesman for the CHP said that, Zika virus infection is a mosquito-borne disease. To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent at least 21 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor.
The CHP's Port Health Division has been carrying out inspections and health promotions (including reminding travellers to adopt anti-mosquito measures when travelling) at boundary control points (BCPs) to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control, and keeping close contact with relevant stakeholders (e.g. airlines and the travel industry) to provide the latest disease information and health advice at appropriate times. Routine health surveillance on body temperatures of inbound travellers at all BCPs is ongoing.
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Aedes aegypti, which is currently not found in Hong Kong, is considered the most important vector for Zika virus. Most people infected with Zika Virus Infection are asymptomatic. For patients with symptoms, they commonly present with rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in infants, and it can also cause complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the Dengue Fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Zika pages of the CHP, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Ends/Friday, May 3, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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