The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is investigating a case of dengue fever (DF) confirmed in Mainland with a suspected source of infection in Hong Kong, involving a 69-year-old man with good past health. Initial investigation revealed that the patient lives in Fuk Tai House, Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling. He had no travel history within the incubation period, but had visited The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Tai Po Gas Production Plant. The patient developed vomiting on August 9 and departed Hong Kong and travelled to Shaoguan, Guangdong Province on August 10. He developed dizziness and a fever on August 12 during his travel in the Mainland and sought medical attention at outpatient department of a hospital there on the same day. He was admitted on the next day for treatment and is now in stable condition. No epidemiological linkage has been found so far between this case and other previously recorded DF cases in Hong Kong.
The CHP is now actively contacting residents of Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling to follow up their health conditions. Meanwhile, persons who have been to Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling and the vicinity or Tai Po Gas Production Plant with DF symptoms are urged to call the CHP’s hotline (2125 2670) which will operate from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate.
Apart from the above case, three local DF cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. The CHP hence again urged the public to take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities
Press release:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202408/16/P2024081600613.htm
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Department of Health
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