CHP investigates locally acquired case of dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 16) investigating a case of dengue fever (DF) confirmed in Mainland with a suspected source of infection in Hong Kong, and hence again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
The CHP received notification from the Mainland health authority regarding a DF case involving a 69-year-old man with good past health. The patient developed vomiting on August 9 and departed Hong Kong and travelled to Shaoguan, Guangdong Province on August 10. He developed dizziness and a fever on August 12 during his travel in the Mainland and sought medical attention at outpatient department of a hospital there on the same day. He was admitted on August 13 for treatment and is now in stable condition. According to information provided by the Mainland health authority, blood sample of the patient tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.
Initial investigation revealed that the patient lives in Fuk Tai House, Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling. He had no travel history within the incubation period, but had visited The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Tai Po Gas Production Plant. He recalled no history of mosquito bites in the past three weeks. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance.
No epidemiological linkage has been found so far between this case and other previously recorded DF cases in Hong Kong.
"The DH is 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. The CHP's epidemiological investigations will continue," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Officers of the CHP will inspect the patient's residence and conduct field investigations to neighbouring residents. In addition, the CHP is now actively contacting residents of Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling to follow up their health conditions. Meanwhile, persons who have been to Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling and the vicinity or Tai Po Gas Production Plant with DF symptoms are urged to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2670) which will operate from 9am to 1pm from tomorrow (August 17) to August 18, and from 9am to 5pm starting from August 19, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate.
Furthermore, the CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 5pm tomorrow at Cheung Wah Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody test for people in the district with relevant symptoms. Moreover, the CHP will also contact the respective District Council members to help disseminate and promote relevant health information to residents.
"The Hospital Authority has been informed for enhanced surveillance and case reporting," the spokesman added.
Apart from the above case, three local DF cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. Meanwhile, as at August 15, 41 imported DF cases had been recorded this year.
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
- 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 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.