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Press Release

Patient tests negative for dengue fever

24 July 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 24) provided an update on a suspected local case of dengue fever (DF) on July 16 affecting a woman aged 47. Further laboratory testing indicated that she did not have dengue virus infection.

Her latest blood sample tested negative yesterday (July 23) for antibodies to dengue virus by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Meanwhile, an additional confirmed case was recorded from July 16 to 23 affecting a patient who travelled to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia during the incubation period.

As of July 23, a total of 53 cases had been confirmed this year, comprising a local case and 52 imported cases.

"The number of cases recorded so far in 2015 is the highest compared with those of the corresponding period in the past 10 years (figures ranged from nine to 46 cases from 2005 to 2014). The number of cases is expected to increase as more people will travel during the summer vacation.

"Dengue viruses encompass four different serotypes. The symptoms of first infection with one serotype are usually mild, but subsequent infections with other serotypes even years afterward are more likely to result in severe dengue (also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever). Severe dengue is serious and potentially fatal. Without proper treatment, the case fatality rate of severe dengue can exceed 20 per cent," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"According to the World Health Organization, although clinical trials on humans for some dengue vaccine candidates are ongoing, none are now available and registered with any drug regulatory authorities. Strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures hence remain the most effective means against DF both locally and during travel," the spokesman added.

Avoid mosquito bites

Travellers should stay alert to the DF risk before departing, and take heed of the preventive measures below:

The incubation period of DF ranges from three to 14 days, commonly four to seven days. Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctors.

Remove breeding sites

Members of the public should also prevent the accumulation of stagnant water and maintain good environmental hygiene:

Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected, and may visit the pages below for more information:



Last Revision Date : 24 July 2015