Macau has recorded this year’s first imported case of chikungunya fever, a 45-year-old non-local male worker, the Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the patient travelled to the Philippines with his family from December 20 to Sunday, and developed symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and headache after returning to Macau on Monday. He sought medical attention at a health centre. As the symptoms persisted, he visited the emergency department of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ) on Tuesday, the statement said.
The statement noted that his blood sample confirmed infection with chikungunya fever, adding that the patient continues to have a fever and has been admitted to CHCSJ for hospitalisation, and his family members have also developed similar symptoms and have all sought medical treatment.
Based on the patient’s travel history, the timing of the symptoms onset, and laboratory test results, this case has been classified as first local imported case of Chikungunya fever, the statement said.
1st local imported case of dengue fever this year
Meanwhile, Macau recorded this year’s first imported case of dengue fever on Monday, the Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a separate statement on Monday.
The statement pointed out that a 28-year-old local male travelled with his family to Da Nang, Vietnam, from December 20 to 27 last year, and then visited China’s Taiwan region from December 3 to Wednesday.
The patient fell ill during his trip on New Year’s Day, experiencing fever and seeking local medical treatment, the statement said, adding that he developed a rash on his limbs on Saturday. After returning to Macau on Sunday, he went to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre Islands’ emergency station in Cotai due to persistent symptoms and underwent a blood test.
On Monday’s afternoon, his blood sample tested positive for dengue fever Type I. The patient continued to have a fever and was admitted to CHCSJ for in-patient treatment later that day.
The statement added that his travel companions and cohabiting family members showed no symptoms.
Based on the patient’s travel history, the timing of the symptoms onset, and laboratory test results, this case has been classified as local first imported case of dengue fever of the year.
The Health Bureau will dispatch officials to inspect breeding sources and conduct preventive mosquito control in areas near where both patients were active in local neighbourhoods, according to the two statements.
The statement urged residents to enhance mosquito prevention measures when travelling to regions where chikungunya fever and dengue fever are prevalent, such as Southeast Asia.
This poster shows the symptoms of chikungunya fever. – Photo courtesy of Sprint Medical
