Suspected JE case confirmed

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 24) confirmed that serology tests on blood samples of a 45-year-old man in Yuen Long yielded a positive result for Japanese encephalitis (JE). This is the second JE case reported this year.

The man, a resident of Palm Springs, developed fever, headache and drowsiness on June 8. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern District Hospital and is now in critical condition. The CHP is conducting a survey among the neighbourhood of the patient's residence for active case finding and blood tests for signs of recent infection.

People who live in the surrounding areas of Palms Spring can call the CHP hotline 2575 1848 for health advice. Appropriate follow-up for symptomatic individuals will be arranged. The hotline is open until 9 pm today and during office hours in the following days. The CHP is organizing a health talk for residents on June 25. Blood tests will be offered to residents on that occasion as well.

Prompt control actions have also been carried out by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

The FEHD has been conducting anti-mosquito actions in the area and around nearby piggeries on a regular basis. Larvicides have been applied to control mosquito breeding. They will step up anti-mosquito work around the area where the patient lived, including nearby abandoned fields and dense vegetations.

The AFCD has inspected the three pig farms located within two kilometers of the patient's residence. They carried out animal survey and worked with pig farmers to carry out anti-mosquito measures. The FEHD is also providing technical assistance to AFCD in stepping up mosquito control work in the three pig farms.

JE is transmitted by Culicine mosquitoes living mainly in rural areas. The mosquitoes breed in water-logged fields and marshes. The public is reminded to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water.

They are also advised to take the following precautionary measures both in Hong Kong and when visiting areas with mosquito-transmitted diseases:

* Wear long sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellent over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

Travellers who fall sick after returning from endemic areas should consult doctors promptly and give details of their travel history.

Details of the preventive measures against JE are available from CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) and DH's website (http://www.info.gov.hk/trhealth).

End/Thursday, June 24, 2004