The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 1) investigating a suspected puffer fish poisoning case, and hence reminded members of the public not to consume puffer fish.

     The case involved a 69-year-old woman, who developed perioral numbness, generalised weakness, vomiting and respiratory failure about 30 minutes after consuming cooked puffer fish caught by her husband in local waters, for dinner at home yesterday (February 28).

     She attended the accident and emergency department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on the same day and was subsequently transferred and admitted to the intensive care unit of Tuen Mun Hospital for further management. She is now in a serious condition.

     Investigations by the CHP are continuing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that consumption of puffer fish is the main cause of food poisoning from tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin is a potent water-soluble neurotoxin that can affect the central nervous system.

     "Organs such as the liver, gonads and skin of puffer fish have high concentrations of tetrodotoxin. Being heat-stable, the toxin does not decompose upon cooking, boiling, drying or freezing. Tetrodotoxin intoxication can cause problems in respiration or circulation and is potentially fatal. There is no known antidote or antitoxin. Members of the public are advised to avoid purchasing and preparing puffer fish or unknown fish for consumption to prevent tetrodotoxin-related food poisoning," the spokesman said.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 1) that some facilities at the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground (TKOSG) and Hong Kong Velodrome (HKV) in Sai Kung District will be temporarily closed to tie in with the staging of the 3rd Asian Youth Athletic Championships at the TKOSG between March 15 and 17. Details are as follows:

TKOSG

HKV

     During the closure periods, members of the public may use similar facilities at Sai Kung Tang Shiu Kin Sports Ground, Hang Hau Sports Centre, Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre, Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre, Tsui Lam Sports Centre and Po Lam Sports Centre in the same district.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 1) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From February 22 to 28, the CHP recorded two imported DF cases. The patients had been to Malaysia (both cases epidemiologically linked to a case recorded last week) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (February 28), 28 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Indonesia (seven), Malaysia (seven), Sri Lanka (four) and Thailand (four). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2019 revealed that 7 350 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 1 728 in Singapore (since December 30, 2018) and 36 in Japan. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 4 674 cases were filed in Mexico in 2019.

     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 loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF and Zika virus infection should apply insect repellent for 14 days or at least 21 days respectively 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 the label instructions carefully 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 DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Committees will hold four open meetings and a public hearing during the week from March 4 to 8 in the LegCo Complex. Details of the meetings are available in the meeting schedule attached.
 
     The information in the meeting schedule is subject to change. Please refer to the "LegCo Calendar" on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk) for the latest details of meetings.
 
     Members of the public are welcome to observe open meetings of LegCo Committees. Interested individuals and groups are advised to make advance booking of seats by calling the LegCo Secretariat at 3919 3399 during office hours. Members of the public can also listen to or watch all open meetings via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (March 1) reminded the public that in view of the large number of grave sweepers travelling to the cemeteries in Chai Wan during the Ching Ming Festival, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to ensure members of the public can visit the cemeteries in a safe and orderly manner.
 
     The special traffic and transport arrangements will include:
 
Road closures
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March 3 (Sunday), 16 (Saturday), 23 (Saturday) and 30 (Saturday); April 13 (Saturday), 19 (public holiday), 20 (public holiday), 22 (public holiday) and 28 (Sunday); and May 1 (public holiday)
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     In connection with the implementation of Level I road closures by the Police, vehicles will be allowed to use the section of Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road (that is, the left turn movement from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the vicinity of the Chinese Permanent Cemetery) from 7am to 6pm daily. Should traffic conditions worsen, the Police may consider escalating the road closures to Level II.
 
March 10 (Sunday), 17 (Sunday), 24 (Sunday) and 31 (Sunday) and April 6 (Saturday), 14 (Sunday) and 21 (Sunday)
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     In connection with the implementation of Level II road closures by the Police, the left turn from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the vicinity of the Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed to all vehicular traffic (except for green minibus (GMB) route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permits) from 7am to 6.30pm daily.
 
     Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7am to 6.30pm daily (except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permits). The Police may allow taxis and public light buses to enter Lin Shing Road and turn right onto Cape Collinson Road depending on the traffic conditions in the vicinity of the Chai Wan cemeteries.
 
April 5 (Ching Ming Festival) and 7 (Sunday)
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     In connection with the implementation of Level III road closures by the Police, Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7am to 7pm daily (except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permits).
 
Public transport services
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     New World First Bus (NWFB) route 388 (Circular) between Chai Wan Station Bus Terminus and Chai Wan Cemeteries will be operated from 9am to 2pm on March 10 and 17 and April 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22; from 9am to 4pm on March 23 and 30; from 8am to 5pm on March 24 and 31 and April 6 and 14; and from 7am to 6pm on April 5 and 7. When necessary, the service will be strengthened depending on the traffic conditions and passenger demand.
 
     NWFB route 389 (Circular) between Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus and Chai Wan Cemeteries will be operated from 9am to 2pm on March 10 and 17 and April 13, 19, 20 and 21; from 9am to 4pm on March 30; from 8am to 5pm on March 24 and 31 and April 6 and 14; and from 7am to 6pm on April 5 and 7. When necessary, the service will be strengthened depending on the traffic conditions and passenger demand.
 
     NWFB route 9C from Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to Chai Wan Cemeteries will be operated from 9am to 1pm on April 5 and 7, and when necessary the service will be strengthened depending on the traffic conditions and passenger demand.
 
     Actual implementation of and adjustments to road closures, traffic control and public transport diversions will be made by the Police at the time depending on conditions in the areas.
 
     Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news on television and radio. They may also visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or call 1823 for the latest traffic and transport information.