Health officials today said they were highly concerned about a local case of dengue fever and have asked doctors to step up surveillance.
An interdepartmental committee on mosquito-borne diseases held an urgent meeting this afternoon to follow up on a local case of dengue fever and to provide updates on the disease, as well as to discuss local prevention and control measures.
Chairing the meeting, Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung said: "We are highly concerned about the case and are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for all-out efforts to assess and prevent any spread of infection."
The centre has alerted doctors about the local case and asked them to step up surveillance. Dr Leung stressed that early referral and prompt control are critical to prevent the disease from spreading further into the community.
Health officers have been conducting field investigations at the patient's residence and workplace. 296 questionnaires have been collected and none are symptomatic, while two residents had to take blood tests.
Anyone who has frequently visited Pok Hong Estate in Sai Ying Pun or Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital who comes down with dengue fever symptoms should call the centre’s hotline (2125 1122) for laboratory tests or referral to a hospital.
Dr Leung urged the public to take necessary precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases both locally and during travel, particularly to endemic areas because mosquito control was of utmost importance to prevent the spread of the disease.
He added that the best way to avoid mosquito bites was to eliminate pockets of stagnant water that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes.
