By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Correspondent Steven Jiang
HONG KONG : Hong Kong has reported another case of dengue fever - a
32-year-old Singaporean woman who arrived a week ago.
This bring the total number of cases to 18 - all from abroad.
Hong Kong's heat and humidity make the bustling city a perfect
breeding ground for mosquitoes.
But surprisingly while mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus have
infected hundreds in other Asian cities like Singapore, Hong Kong
has largely been spared.
So far this year there have only been 18 cases in the city of
nearly seven million, and all these cases originated abroad.
The latest victim is a 32-year-old Singaporean woman who travelled
to Hong Kong with a friend a week ago.
Hong Kong health officials said the Singaporean woman had come down
with fever, muscle pain and a rash a few days before she arrived in
Hong Kong.
She was admitted to St. Teresa's Hospital on September 16, and was
said to be in stable condition. But the hospital said she has been
discharged.
Authorities said the woman's travel companion was fine, but
declined to disclose any further information about the
patient.
Health officials said the city was well-prepared for any dengue
upsurge.
Dr Henry Kong, Chief Port Health Officer at Hong Kong Department of
Health, said: "Get rid of the mosquito sites, education for the
public, a very tight surveillance system in ports of entry as well
as in the community, that is very important."
Unlike many Southeast Asian countries which are hot all year round,
Hong Kong's seasons have kept dengue at bay.
Dr Kong added: "We have a very clear winter season, so the mosquito
population tends to drop in December and January."
Until then, health officials are reminding everyone to keep
vigilant against the disease-borne insects. - CNA/de