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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Hong Kong : Case of Japanese encephalitis under CHP investigation

Another press release from CHP :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 16) investigating a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) affecting a 59-year-old man and hence urged the public to take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The patient was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on June 20 because of fever and decreased general condition. His consciousness deteriorated the following day (June 21) and he is currently in critical condition.

Upon laboratory testing, both his serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples tested positive for antibodies against JE. JE is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

The patient lives in Tin Shui Wai. His home contact remained asymptomatic and has been put under medical surveillance. The CHP's investigation is proceeding.

Officers of the CHP have conducted home visits and surveys among neighbours of the patient's residence for active case finding and arranging blood tests. A hotline on 2125 1122 has been set up for public enquiries and will operate till 9pm today and from 9am to 6pm from July 17 to 19.

A health talk was delivered and another one will be held in Tin Ching Community Hall, Tin Shui Wai, on July 18 to provide the public with health advice. Residents of Yuen Long District with JE symptoms are also advised to promptly seek medical attention.

This is the first JE case reported to the CHP this year. Three cases were reported in 2012 while one was reported in 2011. Locally, no cases were reported from 2008 to 2010."

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