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Press Release

CHP investigates second local confirmed case of dengue fever

3 November 2014

The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Leung Ting-hung, today (November 3) announced the investigation into the second local confirmed case of dengue fever (DF), and hence again urged the public to take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The male patient, aged 25 with good past health, has presented with fever, headache, myalgia and arthralgia since October 27 and consulted private doctors on October 27, 28 and November 1. He attended Hong Kong Baptist Hospital yesterday (November 2) and was admitted for further management. He is now afebrile and has been in stable condition all along.

The patient's serum sample was tested positive against IgM antibodies for dengue virus and dengue antigen upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch today.

Initial enquiries revealed that the patient lives in Hang On Building, 43-59 Po Kong Village Road, Wong Tai Sin. He worked in the construction site of MTR Sai Ying Pun Station where he recalled mosquito bites before onset. He had no recent travel history during incubation period.

"We are very concerned about the case and are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for all-out efforts to assess and prevent any spread of infection," Dr Leung remarked.

"Upon notification and laboratory confirmation, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigation and promptly informed the FEHD for vector investigation and mosquito control, as well as the management office of Hang On Building, the Wong Tai Sin District Office under the Home Affairs Department, the MTR Corporation Limited, and the Immigration Department for their corresponding follow-up actions. The CHP's investigations and health education in the vicinity where the patient frequented are proceeding," Dr Leung said.

The patient's home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far and will be put under medical surveillance.

Officers of the CHP will conduct field investigation by surveys at the patient's residence and workplace for active case finding and arranging blood tests.

Persons who have been to Hang On Building or the construction site of MTR Sai Ying Pun Station with DF symptoms should call the CHP's public enquiry hotline (2125 1122) for laboratory investigation or referral to hospital as appropriate. The hotline will operate from 9am to 6pm tomorrow (November 4) onwards.

Joint health talk with the FEHD will be held tomorrow (November 4) afternoon at Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre to deliver health advice to the public.

"We will send letters to doctors and private hospitals to alert them of the case. We have also enhanced the surveillance of suspected DF cases in collaboration with public hospitals under the Hospital Authority, private hospitals and private doctors since October 25. Early referral and prompt control are critical to prevent further local spread of DF," Dr Leung added.

Apart from this case, as of yesterday, 96 DF cases (one local, 95 imported) were reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 103 and 53 cases were filed respectively and all were imported.

"In view of recent local confirmed cases and the DF activity remaining high in neighbouring areas, members of the public should heighten vigilance and take necessary precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases both locally and during travel, particularly to DF-endemic areas. Mosquito control is of utmost importance to prevent the spread of DF," Dr Leung urged.

"At present, no effective vaccine for DF is available. Therefore, the best preventive measures are to avoid mosquito bites and to eliminate pockets of stagnant water that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes," Dr Leung reminded.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures against DF:

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctor.

Members of the public should also avoid accumulation of stagnant water by:

The public may visit the CHP's DF page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/19.html) or that of the DH's Travel Health Service (This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk) for further information on DF and outbreaks in other areas. Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can check the latest news and advice on preventive measures.

More information on mosquito control can be found on the FEHD's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.fehd.gov.hk/english/safefood/handbook_prev_mos_breeding.html).

"Vector-borne diseases" is the theme of this year's World Health Day (WHD) of the World Health Organization. The public may visit the CHP's WHD Page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/28258.html) for more information.



Last Revision Date : 3 Nov 2014