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The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Leung Ting-hung, today (May 15) called on the public to take necessary preventive measures to guard against mosquito-borne diseases, as Hong Kong has entered the rainy season.
Dr Leung made the appeal after the meeting of the Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on Mosquito-borne Diseases, which was attended by representatives of various government bureaux and departments to review the epidemiology and significance for public health of mosquito-borne diseases, as well as the anti-mosquito works carried out by relevant bureaux and departments.
Dengue fever (DF) and Japanese encephalitis (JE) are common mosquito-borne diseases in Hong Kong.
Locally, a total of 505 cases of DF were recorded from 2004 to 2013. In 2014, there have been 22 confirmed cases, which are all imported cases.
Regionally, DF activities remain high in the Asia Pacific Region, especially in various popular tourist destinations for Hong Kong people. As of early May this year, 15 374, 5 783, 27 562 and 5 331 cases have been recorded in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore respectively, while 186 416, 152 768, 43 346 and 22 101 cases were reported respectively in the four countries in 2013. In Indonesia, 5 528 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever were recorded up until the end of March this year, while 112 511 cases were reported in 2013.
As for JE, a total of 19 cases were recorded in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2013. No case has been reported in 2014.
"The health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases can be greatly reduced with simple preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites, protecting ourselves when travelling, and preventing mosquito proliferation. Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, people should take measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases," Dr Leung said.
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, protecting ourselves from mosquito bites is important. People should wear loose, light-coloured long-sleeved tops and trousers, use DEET-containing insect repellents on exposed parts of the body and clothing, and enhance prevention when taking part in outdoor activities or going to scrubby areas.
"The CHP has an established mechanism in place for surveillance of DF and JE, prompt investigation and control actions, as well as timely risk communication for the diseases in Hong Kong. The DH has also launched the 'Beware of stings-protect ourselves from vector-borne diseases' campaign in collaboration with various government bureaux and departments, and other partners in April 2014 to raise public awareness about the threat posed by vectors (including mosquitoes) and vector-borne diseases, and to stimulate families and communities to take action to protect themselves. The DH is working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and other government departments and organisations on mosquito control measures," Dr Leung said
He added that the Travel Health Service under the DH has been providing relevant travel health advice and precautionary measures to travellers through its Travel Health Centres and website (www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
On the prevention of mosquito proliferation, the Pest Control Officer-in-charge of the FEHD, Mr Yuen Ming-chi, emphasised that the most effective method to prevent mosquito breeding is to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water by disposing of all used containers properly, covering water containers tightly, changing the water in vases and containers with flowers or water plants once a week, clearing drains and surface channels to prevent blockage, drilling large holes in unused tyres, ensuring air-conditioner drip trays are free of stagnant water, and clearing away the water from the saucers under potted plants every week.
"The public can apply DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection when performing outdoor activities. Repellent users should observe the instructions on the product label and apply the repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing. The product should not be applied on irritated, burnt and wounded skin and repellent should be removed when protection is no longer required," Mr Yuen added.
In order to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including DF and JE, the FEHD launched an Anti-mosquito Campaign in February this year. During the three-phase campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts throughout the city.
Ends/Thursday, May 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:21
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