Update on dengue fever

Dengue fever: what you need to know now

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 10) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

From May 3 to yesterday (May 9), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Malaysia during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, 21 cases of DF, including 20 imported cases and one local case, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, has resulted in close to a historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 6 million cases, reaching a record number of cases. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring 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).

"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

​The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.

Source: AI-generated images

Tragic crash claims lives in ngau tau kok

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Ngau Tau Kok yesterday (May 10) in which a woman died.

At 10.11pm, a taxi driven by a 65-year-old man was travelling westbound along Kwun Tong Road. Upon approaching Kwun Tong Road slip road leading to Choi Hung Interchange, it reportedly knocked down a 73-year-old woman.

Sustaining leg injuries, the woman was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 11.30pm.

The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon East is underway.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 0277 or 3661 0263.

Source: AI-generated images