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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, at Tuen Mun Hospital this afternoon (July 23):
Reporter: (On the latest investigation into cases of Japanese encephalitis.)
Secretary for Food and Health: Hong Kong is now at the season of heavy rainfall. Despite all our efforts to control mosquitoes over the territory, especially in the areas around Tin Shui Wai, I do not think we can rule out the possibility of having further occurrence of sporadic cases of Japanese encephalitis. The Hospital Authority will continue to step up the awareness of our clinicians at the front line. At the same time, the Centre for Health Protection has issued notice to all doctors in the community (to alert them to the latest information of Japanese encephalitis). Hopefully through the enhanced awareness of all front-line clinicians, in case there are any new Japanese encephalitis cases, we will be able to pick up the cases earlier.
Reporter: (On the occurrence of Japanese encephalitis in districts other than Tin Shui Wai.)
Secretary for Food and Health: If we look back several years ago, there were indeed cases of Japanese encephalitis occurring in other districts of Hong Kong. This possibility once again cannot be completely ruled out.
Reporter: (On advising people living in other districts not to be complacent.)
Secretary for Food and Health: Yes. Although we can say that the Tin Shui Wai area is having the highest risk at this stage, I do not think people living in other districts of Hong Kong can be complacent. I would like to appeal to all Hong Kong people to step up precaution against mosquitoes and do their best in controlling the breeding of mosquitoes.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:13
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