Public vigilance urged against dengue fever, mosquito-borne diseases

 

How the dengue mosquito looks like (CDC photo)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has urged the public to stay vigilant against dengue fever (DF) and other mosquito-borne diseases, especially with the surge in the number of people arriving and leaving Hong Kong for the National Day festivities from Sept. 28 to Oct. 7.

“Members of the public who intend to travel (should) stay alert to the situation of mosquito-borne diseases in their destinations,” CHP advised. “Members of the public (should) adopt necessary anti-mosquito precautions to guard against the disease when travelling abroad.”

Pindutin para sa detalye

If they develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, rash or painful swelling, they should inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment, CHP added.

CHP noted the increase in DF activity in neighboring areas, noting that of the 67 imported cases reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 23, seven had flown in from the Philippines, as well as 17 from Indonesia, and eight each from India, Maniland China and Malaysia and six from Thailand.

 “According to information from the Singapore Ministry of Health, a total of 11 847 DF cases have been recorded from January to September 14 this year, which is higher when compared to 6 755 cases recorded in the same period in 2023,” it said. “In addition, Malaysia has recorded 98 442 cases from January to September 7 this year, which was a 19.3 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.”

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

In Guangdong, the Health Commission reported that DF cases recorded in the past three months have been increasing, with 233 and 1 220 cases in July and August, and more than 1 400 DF cases in the first half of September, mostly recorded in Foshan, Guangzhou and Zhongshan.

The World Health Organization reported that since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 11 million cases, a record number.

The following measures on mosquito control could reduce the chance of acquiring mosquito-borne disease during travel:

• Wear loose, light-colored, long-sleeved tops and trousers;
• Use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing. For details about the use of insect repellents and the key points to be observed, please refer to 'Tips for using insect repellents'; and
• When engaging in outdoor activities, avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skin care products, re-apply insect repellents according to instructions, and apply insect repellents after sunscreen if both are used.

Basahin ang detalye!

These preautions will also help them avoid other mosquito-borne diseases including Japanese encephalitis, zika virus infection, and malaria, it said.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighboring 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).

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