According to multiple media reports, the Health Bureau confirmed Macao’s first local case of dengue fever on 5 July. The patient is a 72-year-old female resident from Rua do Guimarães at the Inner Harbour who has not travelled outside Macao recently. She initially sought treatment on 1 July at Kiang Wu Hospital for fever and joint pain, returning on 4 July with rashes and skin hemorrhages.
The Director of the Health Bureau Lo Iek Long said that the Health Bureau has already initiated mosquito control measures within a 100-metre radius of the patient’s home, which includes approximately 1,000 households.
Door-to-door inspections over the weekend led to the discovery of mosquito larvae in more than 10 households in containers such as vases and flower pots, which offer the stagnant water where mosquitoes like to breed.
Inhabitants of several households were found to be suffering from fever and other symptoms, but all have tested negative for dengue fever.
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According to local news outlet Jornal San Wa Ou, Lo said yesterday that dengue outbreaks have been escalating in Southeast Asia and some cities in Guangdong have also reported local cases recently. With the rise of tourism during the summer, Macao faces an increased possibility of imported cases.
Between January to June of this year, local authorities conducted 7,419 inspections of high-risk areas and intensified anti-mosquito efforts, with efforts increasing since April and again in July.
Lo urged residents to implement key preventive measures: disposing of stagnant water; installing screens and using mosquito nets; wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved tops and long trousers; and using mosquito repellent when outdoors.
Last year, the Health Bureau reported at least 32 imported cases of dengue fever in Macao. Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, and skin rash, with an incubation period of up to 14 days. Those experiencing symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
