Grave sweepers urged to take preventive measures against vector-borne diseases during Ching Ming Festival
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"With possibly more outdoor exposure while visiting cemeteries and columbaria, grave sweepers should wear light-coloured and long-sleeved tops and trousers and use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing. Remove stagnant water in incense burners and used containers and clear rubbish before leaving to prevent mosquito breeding. Anti-mosquito measures are essential in guarding against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis," a spokesman for the CHP said.
The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
- 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;
- Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
- Level irregular 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 the body when doing outdoor activities.
To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas of mosquito-borne diseases should apply insect repellent for 14 days (dengue fever) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
- Read carefully the label instructions first;
- Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
- Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
- Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
- Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
- Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
*For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET up to 30%.
When members of the public go to scrubby areas, they are advised to take additional preventive measures against vector-borne diseases:
- Wear shoes that cover the entire foot; avoid wearing sandals or open shoes;
- Tuck trousers into socks or boots to prevent arthropods from reaching the skin;
- Stay on footpaths and avoid walking through vegetation. Do not brush along the vegetation at the sides of footpaths;
- Avoid resting on vegetation, or at humid and dark places;
- Do not hang clothing on vegetation;
- Do not feed wild or stray animals;
- After the visit, inspect body parts and clothing for attached ticks; and
- If an attached tick is found on the body, gently remove it by grasping its head with tweezers or fine-tipped forceps close to the skin, then disinfect the bite area and wash hands with soap and water.
The public may refer to the CHP's pages on vector-borne diseases and tips for using insect repellents for details.
Ends/Monday, April 2, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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