Press Releases
USFH inspects mosquito control work in Tin Shui Wai (with photos)
The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Chui Tak-yi, today (August 12) inspected mosquito prevention and control work of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in Tin Shui Wai. He appealed to the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene with a view to preventing the mosquito problem.
Accompanying Dr Chui for inspection included the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Environmental Improvement Committee of Yuen Long District Council, Mr Leung Fuk-yuen and Mr Chow Wing-kan respectively, the Assistant Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (Operations) Mr Fork Ping-lam; and the Pest Control Officer-in-charge of FEHD, Mr Lee Ming-wai, the Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr Steve Wong, and representatives of the Housing Department.
"In view of two local cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) recorded in Tin Shui Wai, and the blood donor of the first local case of JE transmitted by blood transfusion also lives in Tin Shui Wai, the Government is particularly concerned about the mosquito problem in Tin Shui Wai. The relevant bureaux and Government departments have strengthened mosquito control measures in Tin Shui Wai," Dr Chui said.
"The Housing Department has stepped up the mosquito prevention and control work in Tin Shui Estate and other relevant housing estates in Tin Shui Wai, including putting in place six additional mosquito trapping devices in Tin Shui Estate with a view to reducing the number of adult mosquitoes so as to lower the risk of contact between mosquitoes and human. However, it must be stressed that setting up of mosquito traps is only an ancillary measure, we must remain vigilant on the routine anti-mosquito programme.
"To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Zika Virus Infection and JE, from spreading widely in Hong Kong, mosquito prevention and control work is our top priority. To effectively control and prevent mosquitoes, we cannot solely rely on Government efforts and the concerted efforts of various sectors and the community are important. Environmental hygiene should start from home and neighbourhood. Members of the public should remove accumulation of stagnant water and adopt good personal hygiene practices," he said.
Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected. For more information on JE and its prevention, they may visit the CHP's JE page, tips for using insect repellents, Facebook Page, YouTube Channel, Travel Health Service and the FEHD's Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding.
Ends/Saturday, August 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:11
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