By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Correspondent Steven Jiang
HONG KONG : Hong Kong has reported another case of dengue fever - a 32-year-old Singaporean woman who arrived a week ago.
This bring the total number of cases to 18 - all from abroad.
Hong Kong's heat and humidity make the bustling city a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
But surprisingly while mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus have infected hundreds in other Asian cities like Singapore, Hong Kong has largely been spared.
So far this year there have only been 18 cases in the city of nearly seven million, and all these cases originated abroad.
The latest victim is a 32-year-old Singaporean woman who travelled to Hong Kong with a friend a week ago.
Hong Kong health officials said the Singaporean woman had come down with fever, muscle pain and a rash a few days before she arrived in Hong Kong.
She was admitted to St. Teresa's Hospital on September 16, and was said to be in stable condition. But the hospital said she has been discharged.
Authorities said the woman's travel companion was fine, but declined to disclose any further information about the patient.
Health officials said the city was well-prepared for any dengue upsurge.
Dr Henry Kong, Chief Port Health Officer at Hong Kong Department of Health, said: "Get rid of the mosquito sites, education for the public, a very tight surveillance system in ports of entry as well as in the community, that is very important."
Unlike many Southeast Asian countries which are hot all year round, Hong Kong's seasons have kept dengue at bay.
Dr Kong added: "We have a very clear winter season, so the mosquito population tends to drop in December and January."
Until then, health officials are reminding everyone to keep vigilant against the disease-borne insects. - CNA/de