Press Release

Two linked imported cases of dengue fever investigated

8 Feb 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two imported and related cases of dengue fever and urges people to guard against the disease.

The first patient is a 32-year-old man who developed fever, rash and nausea since January 31. The second patient is a 30-year-old man who developed symptoms of headache, joint pain and retro-orbital pain since February 1. They attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on February 5. Their blood samples taken on the same day tested positive for dengue virus. No hospitalization was required and both were in stable condition all along.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the two patients had travelled together to Cebu, the Philippines from January 23 to 25 with mosquito bites there. The two men lived alone and no other home contacts were affected.

The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.

There were 8 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2012 and they were all imported. A total of 30 cases of imported dengue fever and no local cases have been reported to the CHP last year.

A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:

* 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 a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide their travel details 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 This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.