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The Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on Mosquito-borne Diseases (ICC) convened a meeting this afternoon (April 11) to provide updates on the situation of Zika Virus Infection and dengue fever as well as the experience of anti-mosquito measures.
"As Hong Kong is expecting normal to above-normal temperature and rainfall this spring, our risk assessment is that the activity of mosquito-borne diseases is expected to increase. On top of collaboration among government bureaux/departments and organisations with their contractors and stakeholders, experience sharing on effective mosquito control is key to our co-ordinated response to Zika virus and dengue fever in the warm and rainy season when mosquitoes breed," the Chairman of the ICC and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Leung Ting-hung, said.
The meeting engaged bureaux/departments to take reference from the experience of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on anti-mosquito measures. The public should:
* Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
* Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
* Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
* Change water completely for flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided whenever possible;
* Level all defective ground surfaces before the rainy season;
* Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
* Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and long trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of body when going for outdoor activities.
"We noted the increasing number of countries/areas with Zika virus transmission and the high levels of dengue activity in neighbouring and overseas areas. Among them, some are popular tourist attractions in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. We again urge the public to take personal protective measures. Those arriving from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival. DEET-containing insect repellents are safe and effective," Dr Leung said.
Today, 19 bureaux/departments and organisations attended the meeting. They are the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Education Bureau, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Department of Health, the Highways Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Hospital Authority, the Housing Department, the Information Services Department, the Lands Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Water Supplies Department and the Transport Department.
Ends/Monday, April 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:47
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