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The Education Department (ED) today (September 26) reminded all schools to be on guard against dengue fever by taking necessary preventive measures against mosquito breeding and the spread of mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
The reminder, as part of the territory-wide efforts on dengue fever prevention stepped up by the Government, came after the recent confirmed cases of dengue fever.
"A circular letter on the prevention of dengue fever has been issued to all kindergartens, primary and secondary schools," an ED spokesman said.
"Given the considerable number of students in each school, it is of utmost importance that the school environment should not have elements to promote breeding of mosquitoes, and school staff and students should have the necessary knowledge to control and prevent mosquito problems in general and dengue fever vector in particular."
"Staff and students are requested to take the necessary preventive measures detailed in the leaflet entitled 'Anti-mosquito Measures' distributed direct to schools in April 2002 by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), which can also be downloaded from the FEHD homepage (http://www.info.gov.hk/fehd/safefood/library/mosquito_school/1.html)."
"They can also listen to information on anti-mosquito measures through the FEHD 24-hour telephone hotline at 2868 0000," he added.
For information about dengue fever, staff and students can visit the website of the Department of Health (DH) (http://www.info.gov.hk/healthzone), or dial the 24-hour health education hotline at 2833 0111.
Nine talks will be jointly organised by the DH and FEHD between October 2 and 7 to equip school staff with the necessary knowledge about the control and preventive measures. For details, please call DH at 2835 1820.
End/Thursday, September 26, 2002
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