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CHP investigates four additional local cases of dengue fever

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (August 23) four additional local 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.
 
     The cases are detailed below:
 

Sex Female Male Male Male
Age 71 34 76 18
Any underlying illness Yes Yes Nil Nil
Onset date August 19 August 20 July 31 August 22
Symptoms Fever, headache, arthralgia and myalgia Fever and myalgia Fever, headache and malaise Fever, headache, retro-orbital pain and myalgia
Residence Fa Peng Road, Cheung Chau Ki Lun Tsuen,  Yuen Long Fa Peng Road, Cheung Chau Metro Town Phase II (Le Point), Tseung Kwan O
Local movement during incubation period Cheung Chau Surrounding areas outside Lion Rock Park Cheung Chau Cheung Chau
Recollection of mosquito bite history Yes Nil Yes Nil
Travel history during incubation period Nil Nil Nil Nil
Medical attendance Attended St John Hospital on August 22 Attended North District Hospital on August 22 Sought medical attention at St John Hospital’s general out-patient clinic on August 6, 8 and 18 Attended St Paul’s Hospital on August 22, to admit to Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Condition Stable Stable Stable Stable
Condition of home contact(s) Symptomatic Asymptomatic Symptomatic Asymptomatic
Dengue virus laboratory result Positive Positive Positive Positive

     “We are working closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to assess and prevent possible spread of infection. The FEHD’s vector investigations, surveillance and control are ongoing. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing,” a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     “The CHP, together with the FEHD, will conduct a health talk at Chuk Yuen Estate Community Centre at 8pm tomorrow (August 24) to deliver health advice. The CHP has also provided information and details of geographical distribution on the local DF cases on the CHP’s designated webpage for DF to facilitate handy access of information for the public,” the spokesman said.
 
     The CHP appeals to members of the public not to visit Lion Rock Park during the closure period in order to prevent contracting DF. Scientific studies have shown that infected persons can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through mosquito bites even if they remain asymptomatic or before their onset of symptoms, leading to further spread of the disease. Hence, people who had visited Lion Rock Park are advised to apply insect repellent for 14 days upon their last visit, and those with DF symptoms should seek medical advice as early as possible.
 
     Persons who have been to the vicinity of Wong Tai Sin (particularly Lion Rock Park), Kwai Shing West Estate, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Cheung Chau (Hillside Road, Tsan Tuen Road, Fa Peng Road, San Hing Street and Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road), Highland Park, Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground, Wing Yiu Street, Tak Long Estate, Portland Street, Shanghai Street, Greenfield Garden, Jade Villa, Le Point and Ki Lun Tsuen with DF symptoms should call the CHP’s hotline (2125 1122) for laboratory investigation or referral as appropriate. The hotline operates from 9am to 5.45pm daily.

     “We have informed the Guangdong and Macao health authorities to alert them to the latest situation,” the spokesman added.

     These are the 20th to 23rd local cases recorded this year. Excluding the local cases, as of noon today, 61 imported cases had been recorded in 2018. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (26), the Philippines (12) and Cambodia (7).

     In the rainy season, 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 light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika Virus Infection) 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 should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and 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 for more information. read more

East Asia

SLW encourages youngsters to join Youth Employment and Training Programme for self-enhancement (with photos)

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, has encouraged young people to make good use of the one-stop pre-employment and on-the-job training provided under the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP) of the Labour Department (LD) to boost their competitiveness in employment and to strive hard for achieving career goals.
      
     Officiating at the Award Ceremony of Most Improved Trainees of the YETP 2018 tonight (August 23), Dr Law said that the Government is committed to promoting youth development. He said that over the years, the LD has been providing comprehensive training and employment support services under the YETP for young people. More than 220 000 young people have so far benefited from the scheme.
 
     “The YETP has identified a large number of on-the-job training vacancies with good career prospects from various industries and trades so as to enable young people to realise their potential. Just like the awardees this year, they have gained a firm foothold in the job market through joining different employment projects under the YETP such as the Airport Ambassador Programme, the Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic Trainee Training Project, the e-Learning Support Scheme, the Project for Tradesman Traineeship, the Club Assistant Training Project, the Ethnic Minority Ambassador Programme, the Barista Training Project, the Junior Tradesman Associate Training Programme of a railway corporation and the Games & Photos Ambassador Training Project of a theme park,” said Dr Law.  
      
     Dr Law pointed out that the YETP has been providing more choices to keep pace with the updated needs of the youngsters. In order to cater for the needs of some young people who are more interested in taking up part-time jobs, the scope of paid on-the-job training under the YETP, which lasts from six to 12 months, will be expanded from full-time employment only to cover part-time jobs as well, with effect from September 1. Moreover, the maximum monthly on-the-job training allowance payable to employers who engage young people in on-the-job training through the YETP will be increased from $3,000 to $4,000 per trainee employed, encouraging them to hire young people and provide them with quality on-the-job training with a view to promoting youth employment.
      
     Dr Law further remarked that the Government would continue assisting young people to gear up for entering into the labour market, which in turn would inject new blood into different industries and trades. He encouraged the youngsters to better equip themselves and make every effort to advance towards the path of career success.  
 
     The Award Ceremony of Most Improved Trainees of YETP cum Concert, held during the “Solar Project 2018 – Dream Journey with YETP” programme, was co-organised by the LD and Radio 2 of Radio Television Hong Kong. The awards were presented to 10 outstanding trainees who achieved significant improvements in personal development, leadership or work performance during the training period. This year, 10 other trainees have been selected for the Merit Awards so as to encourage more young people to work hard in realising their career goals and dreams.
 
     The YETP is open to young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below and is free of charge. Trainees undergoing pre-employment training and who have successfully completed the workplace attachment training are eligible for a training allowance. Enrolment is on a year-round basis and is free of charge. For details, please visit the YETP’s website at www.yes.labour.gov.hk. The LD has also set up a Youth Employment Services hotline 2112 9932 to provide a one-stop enquiry service on the programme and receive training vacancies from interested employers.

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East Asia