Press Release

Precautionary measures against dirofilariasis

27 August 2012

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (August 27) that the CHP noted a study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) about three human cases of dirofilariasis.

He was speaking in response to a media report today citing the human cases, adding that CHP will follow up with HKU to learn more about this disease.

The spokesman said that dirofilariasis is a disease caused by Dirofilaria worms. Dirofilaria worms are parasites that infect a variety of mammals. Dogs are one of the main natural hosts of Dirofilaria worms. Humans may occasionally acquire the disease from infected natural hosts through mosquito bites. Infection may result in nodules under the skin, conjunctiva or internal organs, urticaria (hives), inflammation of the lymphatic system, etc.

He said: "Dirofilariasis does not transmit from person to person. It is usually treated by surgical removal of the nodules. Members of the public should consult medical professionals if they have compatible symptoms," he said.

To avoid infection, members of the public are reminded to observe good environmental hygiene and take good personal protective measures against mosquito bites and stray dogs. Dog owners are specifically reminded to take the following precautionary measures as advised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department:

* Maintain their dogs on a lifelong preventive course of heartworm drugs from their veterinarian; and
* Do not abandon their dogs so that they become stray dogs and possible reservoir of heartworm.