The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 28) investigating a local case of dengue fever (DF), and reminds the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
The patient is a 68-year-old woman with underlying illness. She developed a fever and skin rash on November 23 and sought medical attention at Hong Kong Baptist Hospital on November 25. She was admitted for treatment on the same day and is now in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.
Initial investigations revealed that the patient lives in Golden Lion Garden Phase 2 in Tai Wai. She had no travel history within the incubation period and recalled no history of mosquito bites in the past three weeks.
"The DH is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent the possible spread of infection. The FEHD's vector investigations and mosquito control work are ongoing. The CHP's epidemiological investigations will continue. CHP officers are actively conducting field surveys of local residents through questionnaires to learn more and follow up on their health conditions. The CHP, together with the FEHD, will hold a health talk at the Lung Hang Estate Community Centre at 6pm tomorrow (November 29), during which the CHP will also conduct a free DF antibody test for people in the district with relevant symptoms," a spokesman for the CHP said.
People who have been to Golden Lion Garden Phase 2 with DF symptoms should call the CHP's hotline (2125 2670) for laboratory testing or referral as appropriate. The hotline will operate from 9am to 5pm tomorrow, and from 9am to 1pm on November 30 and December 1. From December 2 to 6, the hotline will continue to operate from 9am to 5pm. In addition, the CHP has contacted the relevant District Council members to help disseminate and promote relevant health information to local residents.
"Letters will be issued to local doctors and hospitals to alert them to the latest situation," the spokesman added.
Apart from the above case, four local DF cases were recorded this year. Meanwhile, as of November 27, 148 imported DF cases had been recorded this year.
"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF 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 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.
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 should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page 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.
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