Press here to Skip to the main content
Font Size
Default Font Size Larger Font Size Largest Font Size RSS Subscription Advanced Search Sitemap Mobile/Accessible Version 繁體 简体

Japanese encephalitis case probed

June 30, 2015

The Centre for Health Protection today confirmed the city's first Japanese encephalitis case of the year and urged people to take preventative measures against mosquitoes. 

 

The centre's controller Dr Leung Ting-hung told reporters this afternoon that the case involves a 68-year-old man who is in a critical condition. He developed a fever and loss of appetite on June 23, followed by acute confusion the next day. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital and is in intensive care.

 

The patient had travelled to Kaiping and Xinhui in Guangdong on June 11 and returned to Hong Kong the next day. 

 

Dr Leung stressed that as the man was only in Guangdong for a short period, it cannot be ruled out at this stage that the case was locally acquired.

 

The man lives in Wah Yuen Chuen, an area which has nearby streams and wild birds. His home contacts have no symptoms.

 

The disease is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus which is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, after they have bitten infected pigs and wild birds.

 

Dr Leung said health officers will carry out a questionnaire survey at the patient's residence, and health talks will be held. The centre will also notify local doctors to watch for the disease.

 

Call 2125 1122 for enquiries.



Top