Press Release

Two linked imported cases of dengue fever investigated

16 May 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 32-year-old man who developed fever, headache and rash pain since May 6. The second patient is a 34-year-old woman who developed similar symptoms since May 5.

They sought medical consultation from a private hospital. The man did not require hospitalisation while the woman was admitted from May 5 to 7. The pair was in stable condition all along.

The man's blood sample was tested positive for the dengue virus while that of the woman tested positive for antibodies against dengue virus.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the two patients had travelled together to Cebu, the Philippines from April 27 to May 1, both have been bitten by mosquitoes.

The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.

There have been 22 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 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.