Malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever are diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. Malaria is common in many parts of the tropics and subtropics. Dengue fever is present in South East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific area, Africa and Central America. Japanese encephalitis occurs in most of East Asia and South East Asia. Yellow fever can be found in Central Africa and South America. Travellers may consult their doctors or call the Port Health Office for advice before visiting these areas. Anyone who develops fever after traveling abroad should see a doctor, stating the areas he/she had visited..

General preventive measures

• Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going out at night.
• Apply insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body to prevent mosquito bites.
• Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
  

Special preventive measures

• The chance of getting malaria may be reduced by preventive medication. Please consult your doctor or call the Port Health Office for advice.
• Yellow fever can be prevented by vaccination. Service for yellow fever vaccination is available at a fee in the Vaccination Centres of Port Health Office.
  The vaccination is effective for 10 years.
• Japanese encephalitis can also be prevented by vaccination. Please consult private doctors for vaccination.

Port Health Office

Source of references: Department of Health, Department of Health

VI /vn/No.47(6-2006)