The Hong Kong Department of Health confirmed three more Dengue fever cases Tuesday, bringing the number of Dengue fever cases in the region this year to 20.

All Dengue fever cases reported in Hong Kong this year were imported, said the department of health.

The new cases involved three women aged 33 to 35 who developed fever, and muscle and joint pain July 27, July 28 and Aug. 2, said the department.

Two have recovered while the other is in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in stable condition. All had traveled to Southeast Asian countries recently.

To avoid Dengue fever, travelers are reminded to wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers, use insect repellent over exposed parts of the body, and use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

Those falling sick after a trip should immediately consult a doctor and give their travel history to facilitate early diagnosis, the department said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2004)