18 May 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 18) investigating two related imported cases of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.
The first patient was a 52-year-old man who developed fever, myalgia and retro-orbital pain on May 6. The patient consulted a private doctor on the same day. He recovered and no hospitalisation was required.
His friend, a 57-year-old man, also presented with fever on May 6. He saw a private doctor on the same day. The patient recovered uneventfully and no hospitalisation was required.
Blood samples from them tested positive for dengue virus.
The CHP’s investigation revealed that both patients had travelled to Phuket, Thailand in April and May. The household contacts of the two patients are asymptomatic.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
A total of eight cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 79 imported cases and four local cases in 2010.
A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:
* Wear long-sleeve 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.