The Center for Health Protection (CHP) from the Ministry of Health on Friday reported a number of recent dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya (CF) cases and said 16 of them were imported from Indonesia.
Through media broadcasts, CHP urges the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, and to control mosquitoes and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
As of July 25, CHP recorded the number of cases increasing from 51 the previous year to Q5 cases. All cases recorded in 2019 were imported cases in the sense that people had traveled, especially from Malaysia, 17 people, Thailand 1? people and Indonesia 16 people.
CHP has been closely monitoring the latest DF situation in neighboring regions and abroad. DF is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Detailed information about the latest DF situation in Hong Kong as well as neighboring and overseas countries and regions this year has been uploaded to the CHP website
According to ovitrap data from the Department of Hygiene and Food, the monthly ovitrap index forAedes albopictus rose from 11 percent in May to 16 percent in June, indicating that mosquito attacks were slightly wider in the area surveyed. Community members, especially residents in areas with extensive mosquito attacks, are expected to remain vigilant and take effective mosquito prevention and control measures.
“Apart from the general steps, travelers returning from areas affected by DF must use mosquito coils for 14 days after arriving in Hong Kong. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately and provide details of the trip to the doctor, “said a CHP spokesperson.
Meanwhile, from July 19 to 25, CHP confirmed one case of chikungunya. The patient has been to Thailand during the incubation period. As of yesterday (July 25), five confimled CF cases have been recorded this year, all of which were imported from Thailand.
CF is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes caused by the chikungunya virus. Clinically characterized by fever which is often accompanied byjoint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle aches. headaches. nausea. fatigue. and rashes. Joint pain is often veiy debilitating. but usually lasts for several days or can be extended for weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain can last for several months, or even years.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Although theAedes aegypti vector is not found in Hong Kong. another vector, Aedes albopictus, is widely distributed locally. This mosquito can be found biting throughout the day, although there may be peak activity in the morning and evening.
