Update on dengue fever

Breaking news: the latest on the dengue fever outbreak

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 26) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, as well as the latest updates of a local DF case announced yesterday (April 25). The CHP urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

From April 19 to yesterday, the CHP recorded one local DF caseand two imported DF cases. For the imported cases, one of the patients had been to Malaysia, and the other had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.

Regarding the local DF case announced yesterday, no linked case has been identified so far. Meanwhile, blood samples of the patient's two household contacts tested negative for dengue virus upon laboratory testing. As at 4pm today, the CHP has contacted over 520 residents from about 200 households of Cheerful Gardenin Siu Sai Wan. None of them indicated that they presented with relevant DF symptoms.

In addition, officers from the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) inspected the patient's workplace in Causeway Bay today. During the inspection, a construction site under operation was found at the workplace. The CHP has recommended relevant premises to strengthen their anti-mosquito measures.

The CHP will hold a health talk jointly with the FEHD at 10.30am tomorrow (April 27) at Siu Sai Wan Community Hall, during which the CHP will also conduct free DF antibody tests for people in the district with relevant symptoms. The CHP appeals to the neighbouring residents to attend the activity and continue their support to the CHP's epidemiological investigations by providing relevant information to the CHP through completing the questionnaire surveys.

âAlso, persons who have been to Cheerful Garden with DF symptoms are reminded to call the CHP's hotline (2125 2371) which has been operating from 9am to 5pm from today to April 28, and from 9am to 5pm starting from April 29, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate.

As of yesterday, 20 cases of DF, including 19 imported cases and one local case, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, has resulted in close to a historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 3 million cases, reaching a record number of cases. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.

Investigation launched into deadly workplace accident in kam tin

The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that happened in Kam Tin this evening (May 6) in which a man died.

The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.