Health authorities ‘high concerned’ after spike of local dengue cases

Dengue is spreading in Hong Kong, experts fear, after a spike of local cases in recent days.

Since August 14, the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has confirmed several people had contracted the mosquito-borne virus.

 

Those infected hail from across Hong Kong, with two cases in Kwai Tsing (Kwai Shing West Estate and Highland Park), two cases in Kowloon City (Wing Yiu Street and Tak Long Estate) a and one each in Cheung Chau (Hillside Road), Wong Tai Sin (Tsui Chuk Garden) and Yau Tsim Mong (Portland Street).  

The locations of the residences and local movementof the seven recently-detected dengue cases. Map: CHP
The locations of the residences and local movement of the seven recently-detected dengue cases. Map: CHP

The dates of the symptom onset in patients detected by the CHP range from August 2 and August 12.

The latest cases involve a man, 31, and two women,  39 and 61. All three had, separately, been in Lion Rock Park during the incubation period. Authorities will visit there today for further investigations.

The 31-year-old male and 61-year-old female had also both travelled to Guangdong province, the former to Zhongshan and the latter to Shunde. Authorities there have been notified.

A CHP spokesperson said they were “highly concerned” about the quick succession of local cases.

“Tracing of source of infection is in full swing. We are also working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to prevent the spread of infection,” they said, in a statement.

On top of the seven cases classified as local, there have been 56 imported cases recorded this year including 25 from Thailand, 10 from the Philippines and seven from Cambodia.

Dengue fever is clinically characterised by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rash.

Some people may not develop symptoms, while others may experience only mild fever.

The virus’ incubation period ranges from three to 14 days, though is commonly four to seven. The CHP advised travellers returning from affected areas who feel unwell to seek medical advice quickly.

More details on this fact sheet.

 



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