Dengue Fever

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is an acute mosquito-borne infection caused by the dengue viruses. This is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. For instance, dengue fever is an endemic illness in many countries in South East Asia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 50-100 million people are infected by dengue fever globally every year and around 3 out of every 100 dengue infections are fatal.

You might find the latest update regarding dengue fever in Hong Kong from website of Centre for Health Protection, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health.

Dengue Symptoms

• High fever

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Rash

• The incubation period of dengue fever ranges from 3 – 14 days, commonly 4 – 7 days.

Dengue Treatment

Vaccine tests are still carried out and there is no specific treatment for dengue, but appropriate medical care frequently saves the lives of patients with the more serious dengue haemorrhagic fever. See a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment if you experience symptoms of dengue fever.

How to Avoid Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers, and use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing.

Take additional preventive measures when engaging in outdoor activities:

• Avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skin care products
• Re-apply insect repellents according to instructions

Special notes when travelling abroad:

• If going to affected areas or countries, arrange a consultation with doctor at least 6 weeks before the trip, and have extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bite.
• During the trip, if travelling in endemic rural areas, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin (an insecticide) on it. Permethrin should not be applied to skin. Seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell.
• Scientific studies have shown that infected persons can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through mosquito bites even if they remain asymptomatic or before their onset of symptoms, leading to further spread of the disease. Hence, travellers who return from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days after arrival in Hong Kong to prevent mosquito bite. If feeling unwell e.g. run a fever, should seek medical advice promptly, and provide travel details to doctor.

How to Prevent Mosquito Proliferation?

Prevent accumulation of stagnant water

• Change the water in vases once a week
• Avoid using saucers underneath flower pots
• Cover water containers tightly
• Ensure air-conditioner drip trays are free of stagnant water
• Put all used cans and bottles into covered dustbins

Control vectors and reservoir of the diseases

• Store food and dispose of garbage properly

Need professional treatment for mosquitoes?

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