Latest news with #TheCentreforHealthProtection
RTHK
17-07-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Guangdong outbreak gives bite to anti-mossie warning
Guangdong outbreak gives bite to anti-mossie warning Wong Hoi-kei said that while Hong Kong has seen no Chikungunya cases in the past five years, the risk of imported infections remains due to frequent regional travel. Photo: RTHK An epidemiologist on Thursday is urging the public to take anti-mosquito precautions, especially during hot and rainy weather, following an outbreak in July of a mosquito-borne disease in Shunde, Guangdong, caused by imported cases The Centre for Health Protection reported on Wednesday that more than 220,000 cases of Chikungunya fever have been recorded globally across 14 countries and regions, including approximately 80 fatalities, as of early June. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Wong Hoi-kei from the centre said that while Hong Kong has seen no Chikungunya cases in the past five years, the risk of imported infections remains due to frequent regional travel. He said authorities will implement comprehensive monitoring and control measures. "We urge everyone, especially now as students finish their exams and schools are on summer break, to be cautious since many may travel to various places worldwide," Wong said. "There are cases of mosquito-borne diseases globally, not just Chikungunya fever, so it's important to prevent mosquito bites and take preventive measures." "To prevent these mosquito-borne diseases, you should use insect repellent and wear loose, light-coloured clothing." He also stressed the importance of draining stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. Wong further recommended that people feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek prompt medical attention and inform their doctor of their travel history. He said Chikungunya fever – which can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected Asian tiger mosquitoes, a common species in Hong Kong – has symptoms similar to dengue fever that include rashes and fever. "Some infected individuals may experience severe joint pains, leading to significant physical discomfort," Wong said. "Generally, symptoms may last for a few days [after which] most healthy individuals can see a noticeable improvement." Wong said there is currently no vaccine for the disease.
RTHK
30-05-2025
- Health
- RTHK
TB patient, 18, isolated after discontinuing treatment
TB patient, 18, isolated after discontinuing treatment The Centre for Health Protection says tuberculosis patients should complete the entire course of anti-TB treatment. File photo: RTHK Health officials have placed a teenage tuberculosis patient under quarantine after he failed to turn up for treatment as required. The secondary school student, 18, sought treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 13 due to shortness of breath, fever, weight loss and a persistent cough, sometimes coughing up blood. He left hospital on Sunday against advice from doctors and was told to go to a government chest clinic for follow up. The patient attended one session the next day and received one dose of anti-tuberculosis treatment, but didn't continue his treatment as scheduled. On Friday, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) issued an isolation order, and the teenager was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital. "Since the patient has only received anti-TB treatment for a short period of time, discontinuing the treatment would worsen the infection, increase the risk of transmission and emergence of drug-resistant TB, posing a public health threat," a government statement said. "Those diagnosed with TB should follow their doctor's instructions and complete the entire course of anti-TB treatment." Health officials also said the student had not been vaccinated under the local immunisation programme. The CHP said it was arranging screening for teachers, staff and students of the same grade at his school. No other cases have been reported so far.
