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DENGUE
FEVER PREVENTION |
 |
| Prevalence |
| Dengue
Fever is an acute febrile viral disease caused by dengue viruses. Dengue
Fever Cases are reported in Hong Kong this year. The infection could be
acquired both locally and outside Hong Kong, most commonly from Southeast
Asian countries. |
| Mode
of Transmission |
| Dengue
viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female
Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is not directly transmitted from person to
person. |
| Incubation
Period |
| The
incubation period is from 3 to 14 days. |
| Clinical
Features |
| Dengue
Fever is an acute febrile infection characterized by sudden onset, fever
for 3-5 days, intense headache, muscle pain, joint pain, eye pain,
anorexia, gastrointestinal disturbances and rash. Seek medical advice if
you have the above symptoms after travel to Southeast Asian countries.
Untreated Dengue haemorrhagic fever can be fatal. |
| Prevention
and Control |
| At
present, there is no specific treatment. No vaccine is current available.
The only method of controlling or preventing Dengue Fever is to combat the
vector mosquitoes. |
- Vector control is implemented using
environmental management and chemical methods. Proper solid waste
disposal, elimination of stagnant water in domestic environment and
improved water storage practices.
- Aerosol and liquid spray has to be
applied directly to the adult mosquito for effective killing, e.g.
household pesticides.
- Mosquito coil and electric mosquito
mat/ liquid has to be placed near possible entrance, such as window,
for mosquito.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes and long
trousers when going outdoors. Bodies could be protected from mosquito
bite by applying insect repellent (containing DEET) on the clothes and exposed part of
the body especially when you travel to Dengue Fever endemic areas.
- Mosquito bednet could be used when the
room is not air-conditioned.
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