Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
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Two linked imported cases of dengue fever investigated
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, 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 the dengue virus.
No hospitalisation 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 and were bitten by mosquitoes there. The two men lived alone and no other home contacts were affected.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
There have been eight 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 were reported to the CHP last year.
A spokesman for the CHP urged travellers to take the following preventive measures against dengue fever:
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 www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:29
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-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, 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 the dengue virus.
No hospitalisation 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 and were bitten by mosquitoes there. The two men lived alone and no other home contacts were affected.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
There have been eight 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 were 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.
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 www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.
Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:29
NNNN
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