The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced yesterday (April 21) that a man residing in Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po, has been confirmed to have dengue fever — the first local case of the year. Preliminary investigations suggest he was infected in the Penny's Bay area. The CHP has assessed the local transmission risk as moderate and is continuing close monitoring and mosquito control efforts. Albert Au, Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the CHP, told the media today (April 22) that this case proves there may be undiagnosed imported cases active in Hong Kong, which can be bitten by mosquitoes, with the insects then spreading the virus further.
Au said: "This case shows that the risk of local mosquito-borne transmission does exist. With rising temperatures and the arrival of the rainy season, these environmental conditions favour mosquito breeding. Moreover, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases remains high in Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions. Therefore, the outbreak risk cannot be ignored. However, the overall risk remains manageable at this stage."
The first local case of the year involves a 21-year-old man in good past health. He developed fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash on April 12. He sought medical attention at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on April 16 and required hospitalisation. He is currently in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for the dengue virus. Preliminary investigations indicate that the patient resides in Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po, and works at a road construction site on Long Yan Road in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. He had no travel history during the incubation period (March 29 to April 9).
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