Blood tests for 7 Hongkongers with chikungunya fever symptoms as 1,300 screened
Health workers screen residents in high-risk area linked to first locally acquired case of mosquito-borne disease
Blood tests have been carried out on seven Hongkongers with symptoms of chikungunya fever after health workers screened around 1,300 people in a high-risk area linked to the first local infection of the mosquito-borne disease, authorities have said.
The Centre for Health Protection, which urged residents with symptoms to seek medical advice, also reported three new infections – two imported and one from an unconfirmed source – on Monday evening, a day after Hong Kong recorded its first locally acquired case at Fung Tak Estate in Diamond Hill.
Three schools in the neighbourhood are being inspected to curb the potential spread of the disease.
“As of 5pm [on Monday], the centre has conducted assessments for about 1,300 residents, with seven individuals presenting relevant symptoms receiving blood tests,” it said.
“While awaiting laboratory results, they will follow the centre’s advice to use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients for effective prevention of mosquito bites.”
Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. While rarely fatal, it can lead to symptoms such as fever, rash and joint pain.