CHP announces further investigation progress of confirmed local case of dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 25) continued its investigation into a confirmed local case of dengue fever (DF) announced earlier, with no new cases identified. The CHP urged the public again to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel, and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms.
The CHP has been conducting epidemiological investigations on the case, including contact tracing and site visit. The home contact of the patient has been asymptomatic so far, and has been put under medical surveillance. As at 6pm today, the CHP has contacted over 4 400 residents from over 1 700 households of Tin Shui (1) Estate in Tin Shui Wai where the patient resided. No suspected case has been identified among them.
According to the latest findings of the epidemiological investigation, no linked case has been identified by the CHP so far. Letters have been issued to local doctors and hospitals to alert them to the latest situation. For the sake of prudence, the CHP is now working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to enhance anti-mosquito work in the vicinity of the patient's residence and places visited by the patient. Such measures will continue until summer. Also, the CHP has held health talks to provide health information for residents living near the patient's residence as well as for staff working in relevant workplaces.
The CHP appeals again to persons who have been to Tin Shui (1) Estate with DF symptoms to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2374) which is operating from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. Dengue fever is clinically characterised by high fever, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rashes.
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 and uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.
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
- Reapply 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 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, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.