Hong Kong has logged 37 cases of dengue fever so far this year, including three local infections. Photo: ShutterstockHong Kong has logged 37 cases of dengue fever in 2024 so far, including three local infections, with the city’s health experts expecting an uptick in the coming months.
The Department of Health said on Thursday Hong Kong saw 34 imported cases of dengue fever and three local infections as of July 17, including two patients living in Tin Shui Wai.
“Many of the imported cases have been to Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand,” said Tonny Ng, principal medical and health officer of epidemiology at the department.
“These destinations are popular with Hongkongers. We found that many do not apply mosquito repellent while vacationing and go to work and school after returning while infectious.”
Ng said one local case lived in Siu Sai Wan, while the other two infections in Tin Shui (1) Estate were within proximity to one another.
“There is a high possibility that there was transmission within the estate,” he said.
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Over 7.6 million dengue cases and 3,000 related deaths have been reported globally in the first four months of 2024, according to the World Health Organization.
Hong Kong recorded 27 cases of dengue in the first five months this year, up from 11 in the same period last year.
Dengue fever is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female Aedes mosquitoes.
The mosquito, commonly seen in Hong Kong, can spread the dengue virus through bites on others after feeding on the blood of an infected person.
It can be mild on the first infection but a second can be particularly severe, occasionally fatal, especially if they are different subtypes.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and rash.
Leung Yiu-hong, head of the department’s health promotion branch, said while residents had gained a better understanding of dengue fever, they were also more complacent about its risks.
A survey of 2,000 residents by the department earlier this year found that nearly 64 per cent of those surveyed knew how mosquito-borne diseases were transmitted, up from 41 per cent 10 years ago, Leung said.
The survey found that less than half knew that a second infection could be potentially fatal, while 78 per cent of respondents could not name DEET as the active ingredient in mosquito repellents.
“The survey showed Hong Kong residents are more aware of how these diseases are transmitted, but lack knowledge in the symptoms, severity, alertness and prevention of the disease,” he said.
Ng warned that imported cases could increase with more residents travelling during the summer months, while the hot and wet weather was ideal for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
The public should spray insect repellent with DEET when travelling in high-risk countries, wear loose light-coloured clothing and regularly check their homes for stagnant water to prevent breeding, he said.
“The two cases in Tin Shui Wai set off alarm bells that the risk of dengue is increasing in Hong Kong and the public should be cautious.”
“While the spread of local cases is in its early stages, now is the crucial time to work on prevention efforts to reduce risks,” Ng said.
“Severe cases can result in shock and even death, and its risk should not be neglected.”