Press Release

Imported cases of dengue fever under CHP investigation

17 October 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 17) investigating a confirmed imported case of dengue fever (DF) as well as a probable case, and hence urged members of the public to take precautions against the disease while they travel, especially to areas where DF is prevalent.

The confirmed case concerns a female patient aged 34 who has developed fever, runny nose, sore throat and retro-orbital pain since October 9. She was subsequently admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on October 11 and was discharged on October 16. Her blood sample tested positive for the dengue NS1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP.

In addition, her husband, also aged 34, has developed fever, headache, malaise, myalgia and skin rash since October 7. He was admitted to PWH on October 12 and was discharged on October 13. His blood sample tested positive for antibodies against the dengue virus upon laboratory testing by PWH. He is classified as a probable case, pending further laboratory testing by the PHLSB.

Both patients are currently in a stable condition.

Preliminary enquiries by the CHP revealed that they travelled together to Thailand from October 1 to 5. Other travel collaterals have so far remained asymptomatic.

Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.

As of today, there have been 79 confirmed DF cases this year and all are imported cases. In 2012, 53 imported DF cases were reported to the CHP, with no local cases.

A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take heed of the following preventive measures against DF:

• 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.

Members of the public travelling to areas affected by DF are advised to protect themselves against mosquitoes. Travellers returning from those areas who feel unwell should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctor.

The latest information on DF can be found under "Travel Health News" on the website of the DH's Travel Health Service (This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk).

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