The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (August 23) four additional local 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.
The cases are detailed below:
| Sex | Female | Male | Male | Male |
| Age | 71 | 34 | 76 | 18 |
| Any underlying illness | Yes | Yes | Nil | Nil |
| Onset date | August 19 | August 20 | July 31 | August 22 |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache, arthralgia and myalgia | Fever and myalgia | Fever, headache and malaise | Fever, headache, retro-orbital pain and myalgia |
| Residence | Fa Peng Road, Cheung Chau | Ki Lun Tsuen, Yuen Long | Fa Peng Road, Cheung Chau | Metro Town Phase II (Le Point), Tseung Kwan O |
| Local movement during incubation period | Cheung Chau | Surrounding areas outside Lion Rock Park | Cheung Chau | Cheung Chau |
| Recollection of mosquito bite history | Yes | Nil | Yes | Nil |
| Travel history during incubation period | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Medical attendance | Attended St John Hospital on August 22 | Attended North District Hospital on August 22 | Sought medical attention at St John Hospital's general out-patient clinic on August 6, 8 and 18 | Attended St Paul's Hospital on August 22, to admit to Tseung Kwan O Hospital |
| Condition | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Condition of home contact(s) | Symptomatic | Asymptomatic | Symptomatic | Asymptomatic |
| Dengue virus laboratory result | Positive | Positive | Positive | Positive |
"We are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent possible spread of infection. The FEHD's vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"The CHP, together with the FEHD, will conduct a health talk at Chuk Yuen Estate Community Centre at 8pm tomorrow (August 24) to deliver health advice. The CHP has also provided information and details of geographical distribution on the local DF cases on the CHP's designated webpage for DF to facilitate handy access of information for the public," the spokesman said.
The CHP appeals to members of the public not to visit Lion Rock Park during the closure period in order to prevent contracting DF. Scientific studies have shown that infected persons can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through mosquito bites even if they remain asymptomatic or before their onset of symptoms, leading to further spread of the disease. Hence, people who had visited Lion Rock Park are advised to apply insect repellent for 14 days upon their last visit, and those with DF symptoms should seek medical advice as early as possible.
Persons who have been to the vicinity of Wong Tai Sin (particularly Lion Rock Park), Kwai Shing West Estate, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Cheung Chau (Hillside Road, Tsan Tuen Road, Fa Peng Road, San Hing Street and Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road), Highland Park, Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground, Wing Yiu Street, Tak Long Estate, Portland Street, Shanghai Street, Greenfield Garden, Jade Villa, Le Point and Ki Lun Tsuen with DF symptoms should call the CHP's hotline (2125 1122) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. The hotline operates from 9am to 5.45pm daily.
"We have informed the Guangdong and Macao health authorities to alert them to the latest situation," the spokesman added.
These are the 20th to 23rd local cases recorded this year. Excluding the local cases, as of noon today, 61 imported cases had been recorded in 2018. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (26), the Philippines (12) and Cambodia (7).
In the rainy season, 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.
To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika Virus Infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. 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 DF pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding for more information.
Follow this news feed: East Asia