Experts say no fear of dengue outbreak in Hubei   

湖北發現輸入型“登革熱”病例 治療及時未傳播

Guangzhou launches a mosquito crackdown as dengue cases surge. (Photo: Xinhua)

(ECNS) – Although dengue fever has spread to inland China with a few imported cases, a large outbreak is unlikely, experts say.

According to the Hubei Health Planning Commission, none of the dengue cases there are indigenous. Patients got infected in south China's Guangdong province or tropical Asian countries.

"There's no need to panic," said Xing Xuesen, an expert with Hubei's Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "All the patients have been quarantined, and the center's programs will prevent the disease from spreading."

Xing said all those who have received treatment in Hubei have been cured.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease that spreads more rapidly in hot and humid weather. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain.

Guangdong is experiencing the biggest dengue outbreak in 20 years, with over 9,000 cases reported by Friday, Xinhua News reported.

Xing suggests residents turn their basins, pots or bottles upside down, as mosquitoes like to breed in damp spots. Travelers should try to avoid tropical places such as Guangdong and Thailand.