Watch out for Mosquito Bite

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus.  You become infected when an infective mosquito bites you.  As of mid-August 2003, the Department of Health recorded 28 imported cases of Dengue fever.  These people got the infection when they travelled overseas, like South East Asian countries.

It is hot season to plan a summer vacation overseas.  Being the leader or decision-maker of the family, you should remember to take the following precautionary measures to protect both your family members and yourselves from mosquito bites:

- Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;
- Apply insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body;
- Avoid staying in scrubby areas;
- Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

If you or your family members fall sick or have such symptoms as fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and rashes on return to Hong Kong, seek medical advice promptly and let your doctor know your travel history to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

Besides being aware of getting infection by mosquito bites, you should also be cautious about food-borne diseases during summer season.  To know more about other travel health information, you can visit the Department of Health Travel Health website at <http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/>.

(Last Updated on 18-08-2003)