*********************************************************
In view of the recent increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Guangdong province, the Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on Dengue Fever met today (September 7) to assess the situation in Hong Kong and to review the effectiveness of local anti-mosquito campaign.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Thomas Tsang, the Acting Controller of Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health. He said the meeting was timely as dengue fever is expected to be active during September and October in some neighbouring areas.
During the meeting, members reviewed the anti-mosquito work done so far, discussed co-ordination strategies, and exchanged work plans.
Dr Tsang noted that the departments and organisations concerned have stepped up anti-mosquito measures against dengue fever, including anti-mosquito campaigns being conducted by the Food and Environmental Department and Housing Department.
He said various departments have also been working closely with different sectors of the community in the fight against mosquitoes through a range of publicity and educational efforts.
"The prevention of dengue fever would not be successful without the alertness and full support of the public. They are urged to stay alert to the threat of mosquito and strictly observe all anti-mosquito measures.
"We have sent health professionals from the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to visit Guangdong Province last week to obtain information on the latest situation," Dr Tsang said.
He added that CHP had sent letters to all doctors in Hong Kong to remind them to be vigilant against suspected cases and to inform the CHP accordingly.
The travel industry has been informed about the dengue situation in Guangdong and health information leaflets on the prevention of dengue fever are being distributed by the Department of Health's Port Health staff to travellers at immigration control points.
As for Hong Kong, 24 cases have been reported to the CHP so far this year, all of which were imported cases including a case from Guangdong reported in early August.
Dr Tsang reminded members of the public to take the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks; and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.
As for people travelling to areas with dengue fever cases, they should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.
Members of the public can visit the CHP website at http://www.chp.gov.hk to obtain more information on dengue fever.
Convened by the Department of Health, the meeting was attended by representatives of 15 government departments and public organisations -- Department of Health; Health, Welfare and Food Bureau; Architectural Services Department; Education and Manpower Bureau; Food and Environmental Hygiene Department; Housing Department; Marine Department; Environmental Protection Department; Social Welfare Department; Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Home Affairs Department; Lands Department; Information Services Department and Hospital Authority.
Ends/Thursday, September 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:43
NNNN
