In response to the first local case of dengue fever this year, the Health Bureau is liaising with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) to investigate the case. The two bodies are also coordinating work to: distribute information leaflets; inspect potential breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes; and – with effect from 20 June – intensify the spraying of mosquito-killing pesticide in the areas where the affected patient lives and where the person works.
The Health Bureau announced the first recorded local case of dengue fever in 2018 on 19 June. The patient, who resides in Areia Preta, works at the City of Dreams Macau resort in Cotai, and frequently jogs in the recreational area around the Outer Harbour Reservoir. The person did not make any overseas trips within a 14-day period prior to the onset of dengue symptoms.
To ensure immediate control regarding risk of any outbreak in the areas identified as possible sources of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, the Health Bureau deployed a team of 50 workers to conduct a door-to-door case investigation, distribute information leaflets, inspect potential breeding areas for such mosquitoes, and spray appropriate pesticide in the areas where the patient lives, where the person works and where the person frequently visits.
The case investigation was mainly in the form of a questionnaire survey. Blood tests have been arranged for persons with identifiable symptoms that may indicate dengue fever, to clarify if they in fact have dengue. IACM has also completed its first round of pesticide spraying at facilities that it administers in the vicinity of the affected areas.
The Health Bureau has said the possibility of further local cases cannot be ruled out, due to the hot weather and high rainfall currently being experienced in Macao. As autumn is several months away, prompt action has been required to mitigate the risk of further dengue cases. The two government departments will strengthen publicity efforts and implement further disease control measures, and urge all residents to take preventive measures.
The Health Bureau again appeals to all residents to pay attention to environmental hygiene, and stagnant water in drains at workplaces, homes and neighbourhoods, in order to eliminate mosquito breeding places.
The Bureau also reminds citizens visiting dengue fever-affected areas, especially Southeast Asian countries, to wear during their travels, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers, stay in accommodation with air-conditioning and/or mosquito repellent devices, and apply mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites. In the event of suffering from dengue fever-like symptoms – such as fever and rash – members of the public should promptly seek a medical assessment, and tell the doctor about their recent travel history.
The Health Bureau also calls on all doctors to be on the alert when seeing patients, and immediately file a report and arrange for further examination if a suspected case of dengue fever arises. The Public Health Laboratory of the Health Bureau provides free laboratory dengue test services to all local medical and health institutions.
For enquiries, please call the Health Bureau Infectious Disease Hotline (+853 2870 0800) or visit the Infectious Disease webpage of the Health Bureau’s website: http://www.ssm.gov.mo/csr/.