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In view of the recent confirmation of two cases of Japan encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, in Hong Kong, the Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC), which comprises various Bureaux and Departments, held a special meeting today (July 19) to discuss ways to further enhance anti-mosquito measures, and strengthen mosquito preventive and control work.
The Chairperson of the AMSC cum Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mrs Marion Lai said at the meeting that, upon confirmation of the two cases, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has strengthened the mosquito preventive and control work in the pig farms/locations with gathering of wading birds in the vicinity of Tin Yan Estate and Tin Heng Estate; carried out fogging in scrubby areas at Tseung Kong Wai and Sha Kong Wai Tsai, in the woodland at Fung Kong Tsuen area as well as other scrubby areas within two kilometers radius around Tin Yan Estate and Tin Heng Estate; and conducted inspections to those areas under FEHD's responsibility within two kilometers radius around Tin Yan Estate and Tin Heng Estate, and offered technical advice on mosquito control and prevention to other departments (e.g. Education Bureau (EDB) and schools under EDB's responsibility). FEHD introduced the strengthened guidelines on anti-mosquito work during the peak seasons at the meeting, and issued these guidelines to the various departments vide e-mails thereafter. FEHD will immediately convene meetings with the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to discuss measures to strengthen mosquito prevention and control at the district level.
FEHD has also commenced since July 15 a territory-wide thematic mosquito prevention and control special operation. Targeting areas which have drawn particular concerns, such as single-block buildings, pig farms and locations with gathering of wading birds, individual districts will intensify mosquito prevention and control work. Upon the end of the operation on August 9, the eight-week anti-mosquito campaign (Phase III) will commence on August 19.
In the light of the above two cases, FEHD will study the collection of samples of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in future rainy seasons for laboratory testing to ascertain whether these carry virus. This will help formulating the work direction in future.
Other departments (e.g. the Housing Department (HD)) have also continued to intensify their mosquito preventive and control work, as well as strengthening publicity and education campaigns.
Targeting commercial and individual activities that might easily come into contact with mosquitoes such as livestock farms, fish farms and recreational facilities in country parks, and taking into consideration the two confirmed cases, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has asked the management staff of the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the pig farms in the vicinity of the patients' residence to enhance mosquito prevention work and promotion activities. AFCD has also urged livestock and fish farmers to take anti-mosquito measures.
The Department of Health has strengthened its publicity campaign to remind the public to take sufficient precautionary measures against mosquito-transmitted diseases.
HD will step up publicity through posters, notices and leaflets. Publicity efforts on mosquito prevention will also be enhanced in public housing estates in Tin Shui Wai.
The Development Bureau has stepped up anti-mosquito work in respect of public works construction sites through the relevant site workers and drainage facilities (especially those located in Tin Shui Wai).
The Lands Department will continue to conduct grass cutting regularly on Government land under its responsibility and clear identified hillside illegal cultivation black spots to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. With regard to the two JE confirmed cases, the department plans to conduct additional grass cutting work in July and August. Letters have also been sending out to request short-term tenants to prevent and control mosquito breeding.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will carry out mosquito control operations at its venues and step up inspection.
EDB jointly organised with FEHD a talk on dengue fever and JE vectors for school personnel in May. Schools are reminded again to keep the school and the surrounding environment clean.
The District Offices will assist in the publicity for mosquito prevention and control, including distributing anti-mosquito promotional leaflets and items, as well as facilitating the organisation of health talks.
The Government Property Agency has tasked its property management agents to continue to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures, including cutting grass and removing stagnant water regularly, with increased frequency.
Mrs Lai pointed out that all relevant Government departments will work together and stay vigilant in eliminating the potential breeding places of mosquitoes. She added that the Government will closely monitor the effectiveness of the measures and make timely adjustment if necessary, so as to better control the mosquito problem and minimise the threat of JE and other mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:09
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