Press Release

Two linked imported cases of dengue fever investigated

25 Apr 2012

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

The first patient is a 24-year-old woman who developed headache, myalgia and rash since April 9. The second patient is a 25-year-old man who developed similar symptoms with fever, arthralgia and retro-orbital pain in addition, on the same day.

They sought medical consultation from a private hospital and a general out-patient clinic respectively but no hospitalisation was required. The pair is now in stable condition.

The woman’s blood sample tested positive for the dengue virus while that of the man tested positive for dengue IgM.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the two patients had travelled together to Bali, Indonesia from April 4 to 8, where both were bitten by mosquitos.

The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.

There have been 18 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2012, and they were all imported. Last year 30 cases of imported dengue fever were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.

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 travel details to their 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.