17 Mar 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 17) urged members of the public to be on guard against mosquito-borne diseases when travelling overseas following confirmation of an imported case of Chikungunya fever.
The patient, a 59-year-old woman, presented with fever, chills, bone and joint pain on January 31 while she was travelling in Southeast Asia. She returned to Hong Kong on February 2 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on February 3. She was discharged the next day but was readmitted to YCH on February 6 for developing rash over body. She was discharged on February 9 after symptoms subsided.
Laboratory test results confirmed that she was infected by the Chikungunya virus.
CHP's investigation showed that she had travelled to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand between January 23 and February 2. Her ten travel companions did not have any symptoms.
He said epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia and Indian Ocean Islands.
"The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. The disease is characterised by fever, headache, and joint pain of the wrist, knee, ankle, and small joints.
"Some patients may develop a rash affecting the trunk and limbs. The illness is usually self-limiting (will go away without treatment) and lasts for three to 10 days, although the joint pain may last for weeks to months. The incubation period is one to 12 days," he said.
There is no vaccine for Chikungunya fever. The public is reminded to stay alert to mosquito-borne diseases. Travellers should adopt the following measures to avoid mosquito bites when travelling overseas:
* Avoid visiting mosquito-infested areas.
* Avoid visiting forests or areas with monkeys;
* Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers light in colour for protection against mosquitoes;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body.
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
* Travellers returning from countries where Chikungunya fever is endemic and suffering from symptoms of the disease should seek prompt medical advice.
The latest information on infectious diseases in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website ( http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html ).