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When travelling, take disease precautions
Malaria, Dengue Fever, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever are diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. Malaria is common in many parts of the tropics and subtropics. Dengue Fever is present in South East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific area, Africa and Central America. Japanese Encephalitis occurs in most of East Asia and South East Asia. Yellow Fever can be found in Central Africa and South America. Travellers may consult their doctors or call the Port Health Office for advice before visiting these areas. Anyone who gets a fever after travelling should see a doctor, stating where they have been.
Disease - Incubation Period - Symptoms - Dangers
Malaria: 7-30 days, intermittent fever, chills, headache, profuse sweating. Affects kidneys, liver and brain and can cause Anaemia.
Dengue Fever: 3-14 days, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash. Can cause bleeding and shock.
Japanese Encephalitis: 5-15 days, fever, headache, vomiting. Can cause convulsions and brain damage.
Yellow Fever: 3-6 days, fever, chills, headache, generalised muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Causes bleeding and liver damage.
General preventive measures
Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going out at night. Use an insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body to prevent mosquito bites. And use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
Specific preventive measures
The chance of getting Malaria may be reduced by preventive medication. Please consult your doctor or call the Port Health Office for advice.
Yellow Fever can be prevented by vaccination. Service for Yellow Fever vaccination is available at a fee in the Vaccination Centres of the Port Health Office. The vaccination is effective for 10 years.
Japanese Encephalitis can also be prevented by vaccination. Please consult private doctors for vaccination.
Port Health Offices
Hong Kong Vaccination Centre
18/F, Wu Chung House
213 Queen's Road East
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: 2961-8840
Kowloon Vaccination Centre
Room 905, 9/F, Canton Road Government Office
Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: 2368-1601
(Information provided by the Port Health Office, Department of Health)
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