The Center for Health Protection of Hong Kong confirmed on Wednesday the first imported chikungunya fever case this year which involved a 34-year-old woman who visited Sri Lanka on Dec. 20 to Jan. 10.

According to a press release from the Information Services Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, she developed fever and joint pain on Dec. 27 and then sought medical treatment from a private doctor on Jan. 16 and has recovered.

Test results released on Wednesday confirmed chikungunya virus.

The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is characterized by fever, headache and joint pain. Epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia and Indian Ocean Islands.

As there is no vaccine for the disease so far, people should stay alert to mosquito-borne diseases, the press release said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2008)