Government appeals for community anti-mosquito efforts (with photos)

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     The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, today (September 8) inspected mosquito prevention and control work in Central, and appealed to members of the public to carry out preventive measures and avoid mosquito bites.

     The Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr Yip Wing-shing; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Leung Ting-hung; Assistant Director (Operations) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Mr Fork Ping-lam; and the Pest Control Officer-in-charge of the FEHD, Mr Lee Ming-wai, also joined the inspection.

     Professor Chan said, "Three local cases of dengue fever (DF) have been confirmed in Hong Kong so far this year. As the patients of the three cases all live in Central, we are particularly concerned about the anti-mosquito work in the district. The FEHD and the relevant Government departments have already stepped up the anti-mosquito measures within the activity areas of the patients, including collecting samples of Aedes albopictus for laboratory testing to ascertain whether they carry the virus, with a view to tracing the sources of DF infection. The DH and the FEHD have commenced comprehensive joint investigations to ascertain whether the three cases are linked, with a view to endeavouring to curb the possible spread.

     "To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including DF, Zika Virus Infection and Japanese encephalitis, from spreading widely in Hong Kong, mosquito prevention and control work is our top priority. Relevant work has been carried out by Government departments continuously. We will continue to stay vigilant and co-operate with the District Councils to conduct anti-mosquito work in the 18 districts over the territory. In addition, community support and co-operation are no less important in the effective prevention and control of mosquitoes. Members of the public and the relevant public and private sectors, especially the construction industry, should strictly implement various mosquito prevention and control initiatives to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases."

     The Government urges the public to adopt anti-mosquito measures properly in their home environment, including inspecting their homes and surroundings. The public and property management bodies should always keep drains free from blockage and fill up uneven ground surfaces and keyholes of manhole covers to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water. When staying outdoors in Hong Kong or travelling aboard, members of the public should take heed of personal protective measures. They are advised to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers and use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body. Travellers returning to Hong Kong should seek medical advice if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform a doctor of their travel history.

     Members of the public are reminded to make reports to Government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected, and may visit these pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the DH's Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding.

Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:35

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Photo

The Pest Control Officer-in-charge of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Mr Lee Ming-wai (first left) briefs the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan (fourth left), the Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr Yip Wing-shing (third left) and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Leung Ting-hung (second left) on anti-mosquito measures today (September 8).

The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan (third left), today (September 8) inspects the mosquito prevention and control work carried out by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in Central. Looking on are the Chairman of Central and Western District Council, Mr Yip Wing-shing (first left); the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Leung Ting-hung (fourth left) and the Pest Control Officer-in-charge of the FEHD, Mr Lee Ming-wai (top left).