Guidelines
to prevent dengue fever
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| Dengue Fever |
| The Department of Health detected local cases of dengue fever for the first time. It called on members of the public to be on guard against dengue fever by taking preventive measures against mosquito breeding and the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. |
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| What is dengue fever? |
| Dengue fever is an acute viral disease. The incubation period is 3 to 14 days. Symptoms include high fever for three to five days, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. In severe cases, the patient may present with bleeding and shock, and can die from the disease. Children normally would have milder symptoms than adults. |
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| How is dengue fever transmitted? |
| Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. There is no person to person spread. The mosquito Aedes albopictus, a vector known to transmit the disease, can be found in Hong Kong. The mosquito likes to bite people during daytime, especially two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. |
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| How to prevent dengue fever? |
At
present, there is no effective vaccine against dengue fever. The best
way to prevent dengue fever is to eliminate pockets of stagnant water
that serve as mosquito breeding sites at home, at schools, workplaces
and their vicinity, and to avoid mosquito bites.
"Let's remove stagnant water. Eliminate mosquito for healthy
living." Please take the following precautionary measures at
all times to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and avoid mosquito
bites:
1. Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with cover.
2. Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water
in the saucers underneath flower pots.
3. Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks.
4. Keep all drains free from choke.
5. Top up all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation
of stagnant water.
6. Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers.
7. Use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body.
8. Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
If you notice any mosquito breeding sites in public places, you may
call the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Hotline 2868 0000. |
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| How to manage dengue fever? |
| You should seek medical advice from your doctor and inform the Department of Health. |
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