Hong Kong health officials announced Saturday the investigation of a confirmed dengue fever (DF) case in which local transmission cannot be ruled out at this point.
“As the patient had both travel history and local movements during the incubation period (IP), it cannot be ruled out at this stage that the case was locally acquired. As a precautionary measure, we are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent any possible spread of infection,” a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said.
The female patient, aged 60 with good past health, developed fever, myalgia, red eyes and skin rash between July 29 and August 1. She consulted two private doctors in Central on July 31 and August 2 respectively and was admitted to a private hospital on August 4. She is now in stable condition.
Her blood specimen tested positive for dengue virus NS1 antigen and dengue virus IgM antibody upon testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch yesterday.
Initial inquiries revealed that the patient lives in Caine Road, Central and visits the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens regularly. She had travelled alone to Guangzhou on July 25. She recalled mosquito bites in both the Gardens and Guangzhou.
Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far and have been put under medical surveillance.
“Upon notification and laboratory confirmation, the CHP immediately commenced epidemiological investigations and promptly informed the FEHD for vector investigation and mosquito control. As a precautionary measure, the CHP’s investigations and health education in the vicinity where the patient frequented are proceeding,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
To date, a total of 69 DF cases had been confirmed this year, comprising 68 imported cases and this confirmed case. In 2015, a total of 114 DF cases had been confirmed, comprising two local cases, 110 imported cases and two unclassified cases. In 2014, there were three local and 109 imported cases.
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