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The Government's fight against dengue fever stepped up another gear following the detection of the first local case of dengue fever in Pat Heung earlier this week.

The Chairman of the Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee (ICC) on Dengue Fever, Dr Thomas Tsang, yesterday (October 8) briefed members of the ICC on the latest situation and immediate measures being taken to prevent the spread of dengue fever in Hong Kong.

"In view of the detection of a local case in Yuen Kong Tsuen, Pat Heung, ICC members have worked out a range of targeted measures to better protect public health," Mr Tsang said.

"We will conduct serologic tests to determine the source and extent of infection with dengue fever.

"At the same time, the government has stepped up anti-mosquito operations, including fogging of insectides, grass-cutting and elimination of mosquito breeding sites in Kwai Chung Container Terminal, Yuen Kong Tsuen and its neighbouring areas. Health talks for people residing in Yuen Kong Tsuen and working at Kwai Chung Container Terminal will also be arranged," Dr Tsang said.

Convened by the Department of Health, the meeting was attended by representatives of 14 other departments and public organisations.

Dr Tsang stressed that the fight against mosquitoes would not be successful without the alertness and full support of the public.

"Apart from broadcasting preventive advice on dengue fever via television and radio, the government will continue to raise public awareness through regular dissemination of dengue fever statistics and ovitrap indices.

"The government departments concerned are also working closely with different sectors of the community, including leaders of rural organisations, residents in villages, public and private housing estates and various institutions engaging them to take an active part in the fight against mosquitoes.

"Despite approaching the cooler season, the occurrence of the local case warns us that there should be no let up for every member of the community in taking necessary measures to eliminate mosquito breeding," Dr Tsang stressed.

Information on dengue fever is available at the DH website http://www.dh.gov.hk/ and information on mosquito control at the FEHD website http://www.fehd.gov.hk/. The public can also call the hotline of DH's Central Health Education Unit 2833 0111 to obtain health advice on dengue fever.

End/Thursday, October 9, 2003

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