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Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

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  • #16
    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

    Hong Kong: Two confirmed cases of dengue fever (4/8/2009) [CHP]

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 8) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the laboratory confirmation of two new cases.


    The first case involved a 56-year-old woman who developed fever, headache, muscle pain, bone pain and retro-orbital pain on March 31. She was admitted to a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on April 4 and was discharged yesterday. She is now in stable condition. CHP's investigation revealed that the woman went to Indonesia alone between March 22-27. Her family members in Hong Kong are asymptomatic.

    In the second case, a 59-year-old woman developed fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and dizziness on March 29 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital the next day. Investigation revealed that she had travelled alone to Indonesia from February 28 to March 27. Her family members in Hong Kong are asymptomatic.

    Ten cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

    A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
    * Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
    * Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
    * Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
    * Keep all drains free from blockage.

    Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
    * Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
    * Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
    * Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

    Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

    The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html .

    Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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    • #17
      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

      Hong Kong: Health advice for travellers during Easter holidays (4/9/2009) [DH]

      The Department of Health today (April 9) called on people travelling to neighbouring countries during Easter holidays to take precautionary measures against infectious diseases.


      The department's Chief Port Health Officer, Dr Teresa Choi, said that in view of the recent increase in dengue fever in Southeast Asian countries, travellers should be vigilant in the prevention of infectious diseases especially mosquito-borne diseases.

      "There have been 10 imported cases of dengue fever reported to the department so far this year and eight of them had travelled to Southeast Asia during the incubation period.

      "This year, some of the countries in the region have recorded higher infection rates compared with last year and the number of cases is expected to increase with the arrival of the rainy season," Dr Choi said. She pointed out that dengue fever was an endemic disease in Southeast Asian countries.

      The best way to prevent it while visiting these places was to avoid mosquito bites.

      Dr Choi urged travellers to take the following preventive measures:
      * Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
      * Use insect repellent containing DEET over the exposed parts of the body;
      * Rest in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms; and
      * Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

      Dr Choi said travellers should also remain on guard against food-borne infections.

      She said people should observe the following precautions during overseas travel to prevent food poisoning:
      * Only patronise reputable and licensed restaurants;
      * Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
      * Eat food thoroughly cooked, particularly seafood and shellfish, and eat food fresh from sealed packs or cans;
      * Avoid eating raw seafood;
      * Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sushi and raw oysters in a buffet;
      * Drink boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or diary products;
      * Only eat those fruits and vegetables that are thoroughly cleaned and fruit that you have peeled yourself;
      * Use separate sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
      * Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
      * Make sure that food is properly stored and has been adequately reheated before consumption; and
      * Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.

      For latest information on infectious disease outbreaks in various parts of the world and preventive measures against travel-related illnesses, people may visit the department's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website www.travelhealth.gov.hk .

      Travellers can make use of the department's Travel Health Centre's one-stop service including health risk assessment, travel-related advice, vaccinations and prescription of preventive medications.

      Details are available in the website and appointment can be made by telephoning the Hong Kong Travel Health Centre at 2961 8840 or Kowloon Travel Health Centre at 2150 7235.
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      • #18
        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

        Hong Kong: Confirmed case of EV71 (4/9/2009) [CHP]

        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 9) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a two-year-old girl and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


        A CHP spokesman said the girl started coughing on April 4 and presented with rash over hands and oral ulcers on April 6. She sought medical treatment from a private doctor on April 6 and did not require hospitalisation. She is now in stable condition. Her stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

        The girl's family members are asymptomatic. Six other children of the nursery school that she attended developed symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Disease from March 19.

        CHP is closely monitoring the situation.

        This is the 16th case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

        For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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        • #19
          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

          Hong Kong: Response level for avian influenza down to alert level (4/15/2009) [SFH]

          The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, today (April 15) announced that on the advice of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation and the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, he had decided to scale down the response level for avian influenza from "serious" to "alert".


          The Government had raised the response level to "serious" after the detection of the H5 avian influenza virus among chickens in a Yuen Long farm on December 9, 2008.

          The Food and Health Bureau later set up an investigation group on epidemiological study which started with an in-depth examination of the biosecurity of the index farm.

          The investigation group took a thorough look at the farm's measures to prevent avian influenza as well as the management and operation of the farm, with the aim of identifying the possible channel for the introduction of the virus to the farm.

          In its report released in March this year, the investigation group suggested that the index farm and other chicken farms improve their biosecurity measures.

          The index farm then adopted a series of improvement measures, and the sentinel chickens there passed the swab and blood sampling tests for H5 avian influenza virus.

          Hence, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department lifted the ban on the index farm last week.

          The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department also strictly implemented the ban on overnight stocking of live poultry in retail outlets.

          All live chickens at retail outlets are slaughtered before 8pm every day.

          The ban has been operating smoothly since it was introduced in July last year. The relevant government departments will continue to stringently carry out measures to prevent and monitor avian influenza at various levels, including chicken farms, import, wholesale and retail levels.

          Tests of samples collected from chickens at farms, the wholesale market and retail outlets since December 10 last year have all been negative for the H5 virus.

          "The Government has decided to scale down the response level after taking into account the above factors and the prevailing risk of avian influenza," Dr Chow said.

          Dr Chow appealed to the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to personal and environmental hygiene to safeguard against avian influenza.
          -

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          • #20
            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

            Hong Kong: Public hospitals return to alert response level (4/15/2009) [HH]

            The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

            Following the Government announcement today (April 15) on scaling down the response level for avian influenza from "serious" to "alert", all public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) will also revert to the Alert Response Level.


            Under the Alert Response Level, the following arrangements will be implemented in public hospitals and clinics:

            - Visiting hours will be returned to not more than four hours per day and not more than two visitors per visit for all acute wards; and not more than six hours per day and not more than two visitors for all convalescent hospitals.
            - Visitors and patients who have respiratory infection symptoms will need to wear a surgical mask in public hospitals and clinics.
            - All staff, patients and visitors are required to practise hand hygiene at all times.
            - The HA laboratory network will return to normal operating hours.
            - The triage assessment for fever patients with respiratory symptoms will continue at Accident & Emergency Departments and General Outpatient Clinics.

            Posters and notices at public hospitals will be updated to remind members of the public of the current arrangement.

            The HA will continue to closely liaise with the Centre for Health Protection to keep the public and professionals informed of the updated situation and relevant information.
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            • #21
              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

              Hong Kong: A case of dengue fever confirmed (4/15/2009) [CHP]

              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 15) urged people to guard against dengue fever following laboratory confirmation of a case.


              The case involved a 54-year-old man who developed diarrhoea on April 3 and fever the next day. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on April 7. He is now in stable condition.

              The CHP's investigation revealed that he had travelled to Malaysia and Indonesia during the incubation period. His elder brother travelling with him had no symptoms of the disease. His home contacts are also asymptomatic.

              The CHP will continue to follow up the case.

              This is the 11th case of dengue fever reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

              A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
              * Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
              * Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
              * Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
              * Keep all drains free from blockage.

              Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
              * Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
              * Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body, and
              * Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

              Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

              The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

              Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
              -

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              • #22
                Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                Hong Kong: CHP seeking details on death of traveller (4/16/2009) [CHP]

                In response to media enquiries about a news report on the death of a Chinese woman on board a Moscow-bound train, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 16) said the CHP had contacted the Mainland's Ministry of Health for more information on the case.


                The CHP had also approached the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Hong Kong for case details, the spokesman said.

                The public is reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene.
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                • #23
                  Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                  Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (4/16/2009) [CHP]

                  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 16) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 51-year-old man.


                  The patient, living in Tuen Mun, developed fever, cough, blood stained sputum, runny nose, shortness of breath and dizziness on April 9. He was admitted to a private hospital on April 15 and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital today. The patient is now in serious condition.

                  CHP's investigation showed that he had travelled to the Mainland before the onset of symptoms. His family members are asymptomatic.

                  This is the sixth Legionnaires' Disease case reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

                  To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:
                  * An individual may reduce his/her susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
                  * People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
                  - Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
                  - Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
                  - Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
                  - Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
                  - Wash hands carefully afterwards.
                  * Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems.

                  For more information about the good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.

                  Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on preventive measures can also be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
                  -

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                  • #24
                    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                    Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (4/17/2009) [CHP]

                    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 17) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 78-year-old man.


                    The patient, living in Wong Tai Sin, developed fever, cough and shortness of breath since April 6. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on April 8. He is now in serious condition.

                    The CHP's investigation showed that the patient had no history of travelling before the onset of symptoms. His family members are asymptomatic.

                    This is the seventh Legionnaires' Disease case reported this year. 13 cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

                    To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:
                    * An individual may reduce his/her susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
                    * People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
                    - Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
                    - Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
                    - Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
                    - Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
                    - Wash hands carefully afterwards.
                    * Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems.

                    For more information about the good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007. Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on preventive measures can also be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
                    -

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                    • #25
                      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                      Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (4/17/2009) [CHP]

                      The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 17) is investigating a confirmed case of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.


                      The case involved a 58-year-old woman who developed fever, chills, headache,myalgia, arthralgia and diarrhoea on April 7. The woman was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on April 9 and is now in stable condition. Her serum tested positive for dengue fever virus.

                      The CHP's investigation revealed that the woman travelled with her husband to Indonesia during the incubation period.

                      Her husband and home contacts are asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to follow up the case.

                      This is the 12th case of dengue fever reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

                      A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
                      *Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
                      *Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
                      *Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
                      *Keep all drains free from blockage.

                      Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
                      *Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
                      *Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
                      *Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

                      Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

                      The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

                      Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
                      -

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                      • #26
                        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                        Hong Kong: A confirmed case of EV71 (4/20/2009) [CHP]

                        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 20) is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a one-year-old boy, the 17th case this year and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


                        A CHP spokesman said that the boy had presented with vesicular rash over hands and feet and oral ulcers since April 16. He consulted private doctors on April 17 and 18. No hospitalisation was required. He is now in stable condition. His stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.

                        ''His family members do not have symptoms of Hand-Food-Mouth-Disease and the nurseries that the boy attended had no other case of Hand-Food-Mouth-Disease.

                        The spokesman said the CHP had advised the nurseries to do thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

                        "CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene," he said.

                        There were 16, 12 and 98 cases of EV71 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively.

                        For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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                        • #27
                          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                          Hong Kong: Public urged to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (4/21/2009) [CHP]

                          The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 21) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) following an outbreak of the disease in a children's residential home in Mong Kok involving 20 children.


                          The affected children, aged between 1 and 3 years, came from two different floors. They developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over the hands or feet starting from April 6. They sought medical consultation. Two of the children were admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment and have since been discharged. All children are in stable condition.

                          CHP staff paid site visits to the centre and provided health advice to the management.

                          To prevent HFMD, members of the public, including management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
                          * Maintain good air circulation.
                          * Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool soiled materials.
                          * Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing.
                          * Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
                          * Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
                          * Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
                          * Avoid going to overcrowded places.

                          For more advice on the prevention of HFMD, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the department's Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111.
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                          • #28
                            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                            Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (4/22/2009) [CHP]

                            The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 22) is investigating a confirmed case of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.


                            The case involved a 28-year-old Irish who presented with vomiting and skin rash since April 15 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the next day. He was discharged on April 21 and is now in stable condition. His serum was tested positive for dengue fever virus.

                            The CHP's investigation revealed that the man arrived in Hong Kong on April 15. He travelled in Thailand during the incubation period. The CHP will continue to follow up the case.

                            This is the 13th case of dengue fever reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

                            A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
                            *Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
                            *Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
                            *Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
                            *Keep all drains free from blockage.

                            Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
                            *Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
                            *Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
                            *Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

                            Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

                            The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

                            Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
                            -

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                            • #29
                              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (April 2009+)

                              Hong Kong: A case of dengue fever confirmed (4/23/2009) [CHP]

                              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 23) investigating a confirmed case of dengue fever and urged people to guard against the disease.


                              The case involved a 29-year-old man who developed fever, headache and retro-orbital pain on April 14 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital the same day. He is now in stable condition. His serum tested positive for the dengue fever virus. The CHP's investigation revealed that the man travelled in Thailand alone during the incubation period. His home contact in Hong Kong had no symptoms of the disease. The CHP will continue to follow up the case.

                              This is the 14th case of dengue fever reported to the CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008. All were classified as imported cases.

                              A spokesman for the CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
                              *Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
                              *Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
                              *Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
                              *Keep all drains free from blockage.

                              Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
                              *Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
                              *Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
                              *Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

                              Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

                              The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html .

                              Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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