15 Jun 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating two confirmed cases of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.
The first patient was a 37-year-old woman who developed fever and rash over body since June 2 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on June 7. She had recovered and was discharged on June 8.
The second patient was a 43-year-old man who presented with fever and headache since June 7 and later developed rash over limbs on June 10. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 12. He had recovered and was discharged on June 14.
Blood taken from both of them were tested positive for dengue virus.
The CHP's investigation revealed that both patients were members of two diving groups to Sabah and Sipadan, Malaysia from May 23 to 29.
Four other group members were also symptomatic but they had recovered already.
CHP had invited all other members of the tour group to have blood test to ascertain their health status. Two of them had done so, and the results were pending.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
A total of 26 cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 43 cases in 2009 and all of them were classified as imported cases.
A spokesman for the CHP urged the travellers to take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms which are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.
The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html .
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.