The CHP reminded the public to maintain strict hygiene in their environment and to take protective measures against mosquito bites and stray dogs.
All the three patients were found with Dirofilaria, a type of roundworm, in their eyes, which were inflamed and irritated, the CHP said.
A CHP spokesman said a disease called dirofilariasis is caused by Dirofilaria worms, which are parasites that infest various mammals.
Dogs are among the main hosts of the worms, but humans may occasionally acquire the disease from animal hosts through mosquito bites.
It may result in nodules under the skin, eyelids or in internal organs, an itchy skin rash or inflammation of the lymphatic system.
People with symptoms similar to those of the disease should consult medical professionals, the spokesman said.
Dirofilariasis is not passed from person to person.
A boy aged 15, in good health otherwise, was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 11, 2015 after being diagnosed with suspected ocular filariasis. His mom believed that her son was infected in a trip to local wildlife park during his travel to Busan, South Korea exchange program. He touched the deer and goats while the seagull left feces on his clothes. The son described the bird feces contained white worm-like substances.
Experts say the latent period of the disease, when there are no symptoms even though a worm is residing in the eye, can last months and even years.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department advised dog owners to take precautions, including maintaining their dogs on a lifelong program of disease prevention.
It also said owners should not abandon dogs, to avoid them becoming hosts to the worm.
Source: EJ Insight