The Health Bureau (SSM) announced yesterday that one more dengue fever case has been reported, involving a 31-year-old female non-resident worker (NRW) from the Philippines, making her the 14th imported dengue cases in Macau this year.
The statement said that the patient lives in Seng Kon Building (勝光大廈) on Rua de Tomé Pires (道咩卑利士街) and works near Estrada do Visconde de S. Januario (若憲馬路).
According to an SSM statement, the female patient, who stayed in the Philippines from September 28 to October 5, came back to Macau last Thursday and developed a fever, headache and muscle pain the same day and went to a medical institution for treatment later that day.
The statement did not elaborate on the medical facility she visited.
On Monday, the patient developed a red rash on her forearms and legs, and on Wednesday, she sought treatment at the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre where she was diagnosed with dengue virus type 1.
The statement noted that the patient, who was in stable condition yesterday, had not visited any local parks, adding that after the onset of the disease, she mainly stayed indoors.
None of the household members and colleagues living and working with her, the bureau noted yesterday, had become ill.
The bureau said that SSM officials would carry out preventive anti-mosquito measures in the vicinity of the patient’s residence, workplace, and her main areas of activity in Macau.
Macau reported seven imported cases of dengue fever last year.
To prevent dengue fever, members of the public should cooperate and implement mosquito control measures together, such as using screens, mosquito nets, or air conditioning at home to reduce the chances of mosquito bites, the statement said.
Maintain environmental hygiene by removing standing water around work and home areas to eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes, the statement said.
When travelling to areas where dengue fever is prevalent, it is advisable to wear light-coloured long sleeves and trousers, stay in accommodation with air conditioning or mosquito protection, and use repellents when outdoors to prevent bites.
Poster courtesy of World Health Organisation (WHO)
