Hong Kong: 23 locally-acquired dengue cases reported as of August 23 /update 1

Event

According to health officials in Hong Kong, at least 23 locally-acquired cases of dengue fever have been reported as of Thursday, August 23. Reports indicate that the infected patients were located in Lai King, Kwai Chung, Cheung Chau, and Wong Tai Sin. Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns and efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds, have been implemented throughout Hong Kong.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Hong Kong are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).