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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Hong Kong : Suspected case of Japanese encephalitis under CHP investigation

Press release from Hong Kong's CHP :

"  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 22) investigating a suspected case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) affecting a 13-year-old boy, and hence urged the public to take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The patient, with good past health, developed fever, headache and dizziness since July 15. He consulted a private doctor but symptoms persisted and was subsequently admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on July 19 with confused speech. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on July 20 and is currently in a serious condition.

Upon preliminary laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP, his serum specimen tested negative for antibodies against JE. Further specimens will be taken from the patient later for laboratory testing.

The patient lives in Tin Shui Wai and has no recent travel history. His home contacts remained asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance. The CHP's investigation is proceeding.

"During the CHP's active case-finding, 32 blood specimens have been collected so far from home contacts and those attending health talks in the community. All were tested negative for JE upon laboratory testing," a CHP spokesman remarked.

"As of 4.30pm today, the CHP's hotline (2125 1122) has received 45 enquiries from members of the public since it was set up on July 16. The hotline remains in service daily from 9am to 6pm," the spokesman added.

Residents of Yuen Long District with JE symptoms are advised to promptly seek medical attention."

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