CHP Confirms Second Imported Case of Zika Virus

Image Caption: An Aedes mosquito is seen on a human hand (inset). The CHP is warning travelers to take anti-mosquito measures and practice safe sex. Photos: RTHK, Reuters

Hong Kong has confirmed the second imported case of the Zika virus, the Hong Kong Economic Journal reports.

A 56-year-old man tested positive for the virus after he returned to Hong Kong on Thursday from a trip to the United States and several Central and South American countries, according to the Center for Health Protection (CHP).

Health authorities are warning the public to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures and safe sex during travel.

The man had a fever when he arrived but the temperature screening system at the airport somehow failed to detect it.

In a briefing Tuesday, CHP controller Dr. Wong Ka-hing said the man has a history of chronic illnesses.

He travelled alone to New York on Oct. 13 before going to Antigua and Barbuda, where he was exposed to mosquitoes.

The two regions, together with St. Maarten and Anguilla, have been classified by the World Health Organization as Zika outbreak areas.

The man went to the Sha Tau Kok General Out-patient Clinic for treatment two days after he returned after developing rashes and diarrhea.

His blood and urine samples tested positive for the Zika virus.

The patient is in a hospital isolation ward where he is in stable condition, CHP said. 

Meanwhile, anti-mosquito measures are set to be launched on Wednesday in the neighborhood of the patient’s residence in San Tin Yan Shau Wai in Yuen Long, as well as in places he last visited.

The Zika virus causes microcephaly, a neurological disorder in which babies are born with smaller than normal heads and brains.

It can be passed to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito or through sex.

The first case of imported Zika virus was reported in August.

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(Source: EjinSight.com)