Macao has recorded its third locally transmitted case of dengue fever this year – three days after the second case on 1 November and 13 days after the first case on 23 October. According to a Health Bureau statement, the patient is a 59-year-old female who lives in Edificio Fa Wong Tong on Rua do Tarrafeiro.
On 3 November, the woman began experiencing symptoms such as a headache, muscle and joint pain, as well as fatigue, before ultimately seeking medical attention at the Kiang Wu Hospital. A blood sample later confirmed that she was suffering from type 1 of the dengue virus, which is spread through infected mosquito bites.
Cases of the disease can range from asymptomatic to more severe cases involving fever, vomiting and nausea. Death can sometimes result in the most serious cases. Currently, the infected woman is in a stable condition.
The Health Bureau said that she resides in the same building as an individual who had been reported on 2 November as the 24th imported case of the virus in the SAR, and also suffered from type 1 dengue fever.
[See more: Health officials report Macao’s first locally transmitted case of dengue fever this year]
The patient was noted as visiting Jardim de Luís de Camões on a daily basis, with one of her family members who lives with her also experiencing similar symptoms. A blood test has been arranged for the family member.
Currently, the Health Bureau is looking to mitigate against the further local transmission of the highly infectious disease by dispatching staff members to the surrounding neighbourhood to uncover other possible cases. Mosquito control measures will be implemented in areas frequented by the infected individuals.
Guangdong is also dealing with a rise in dengue fever cases, with the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 1,785 new cases of the virus between 21 and 27 October. A vast majority of the cases originated from Foshan (453), Guangzhou (439) and Shenzhen (222). Zhuhai logged 71 cases. No dengue fever-related deaths have been reported in Guangdong so far this year.
In order to reduce the spread of the virus, the Health Bureau reminds residents to use anti-mosquito measures, such as using mesh windows, removing stagnant water from areas around the house and applying mosquito repellent.
