Press Releases
Government appeals for community to step up anti-mosquito measures (with photos)
The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi, today (August 11) inspected mosquito prevention and control work of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in Mong Kok, and appealed to members of the public to strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures at home and avoid mosquito bites.
Accompanying Dr Chui for the inspection were the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council (YTMDC), Mr Chris Ip and Ms Wong Shu-ming respectively; the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Food, Environmental Hygiene and Public Works Committee of the YTMDC, Mr Benny Yeung and Mr Chung Chak-fai respectively; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Wong Ka-hing; Assistant Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (Operations) Mr Lam Wing-hong; and the Pest Control Officer-in-charge of the FEHD, Mr Lee Ming-wai.
Dr Chui said, "One local case of dengue fever (DF) has been recorded recently and another DF case is under investigation in Yau Tsim Mong District. The residences of patients of the two cases are close to each other and we are very concerned about the anti-mosquito work in the district. The FEHD and relevant government departments have already stepped up the anti-mosquito measures within the activity areas of the patients, including collecting samples of Aedes albopictus for laboratory testing to ascertain whether they carry the virus, with a view to tracing the sources of DF infection. Relevant epidemiological investigations and prevention and control work of the DH are ongoing.
"To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including DF, Zika Virus Infection and Japanese encephalitis, from spreading widely in Hong Kong, mosquito prevention and control work is our top priority. Relevant work has been continuously carried out by government departments. We will continue to stay vigilant and co-operate with the District Councils to step up anti-mosquito measures. The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue to strengthen public education and publicity to remind the public to stay alert against the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases."
He pointed out that environmental hygiene should start from home and the neighbourhood. The concerted efforts of the community are also important to the successful implementation of mosquito prevention and control work. Members of the public and the relevant public and private sectors, especially the construction industry, should strictly implement various mosquito prevention and control initiatives to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. He appealed to the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water and remove any mosquito eggs.
Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected. For more information on DF and its prevention, they may visit the DF pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding.
Ends/Friday, August 11, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:32
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