Hong Kong health officials reported the 27th locally acquired dengue fever case yesterday in a 47-year-old female patient with underlying illnesses. It is reported that she lives in Tsui Chuk Garden in Wong Tai Sin. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. She had visited Lion Rock Park during the incubation period but could not recall history of mosquito bite there. The patient recalled mosquito bite near the car park in Tsui Chuk Garden.

Image/Alexas_Fotos
Image/Alexas_Fotos

Based on the epidemiological investigations, two sources of infection, namely Lion Rock Park and Cheung Chau, have been identified in this outbreak.

In addition, the Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases (SCVBD) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) met yesterday  to review the latest situation of local dengue fever (DF) and the Government’s prevention and control measures.

At the meeting, representatives from the CHP and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department presented to members the prevention and control measures carried out by the Government in response to the recent outbreak. Members reiterated the importance of isolating confirmed patients in mosquito-free environments during their febrile period to prevent potential transmission of dengue viruses to mosquitoes. In addition, they acknowledged that the prompt and intensive anti-mosquito operations carried out at this critical moment have been effective in preventing further spread of DF. They also agreed that the intensive anti-mosquito measures must be continued in the coming months in all districts to prevent DF from taking root in Hong Kong.

The Controller of the CHP, Dr Wong Ka-hing, said, “Apart from the Government’s prevention and control measures, the prevention of secondary spread of DF as well as the carrying out of anti-mosquito measures by members of the public are equally important.

“Scientific studies have shown that infected persons can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through mosquito bites even if they remain asymptomatic or before their onset of symptoms, leading to further spread of the disease. People who have visited Lion Rock Park should be advised to apply insect repellent for 14 days after their last visit, and those with DF symptoms should seek medical advice as early as possible. Meanwhile, people who reside in or visit Cheung Chau should also be advised to apply insect repellent during their stay and continue applying for 14 days after their last day of stay to prevent infection and secondary spread.