Government launches Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue Fever

     The Government today (April 18) launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue Fever, which sets out the preparedness and response plan when dengue fever may have a significant public health impact on Hong Kong.

     "The Plan aims to provide a framework for a response system for agreed and co-ordinated efforts among different government departments and relevant organisations with a view to reducing the public health impact of dengue fever on the Hong Kong population," a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said.

     The Plan adopts a three-tier response level system, comprising Alert, Serious and Emergency, with each level representing a graded risk of dengue fever affecting Hong Kong and its health impact on the community. It defines corresponding command structures and public health response measures, and serves as a tool for clear communication of the level of risk to the public.

     "The presence of Aedes albopictus in Hong Kong makes our population vulnerable and there are risks of explosive outbreaks if mosquito control is inadequate. Hence, mosquito control is most important. These considerations would be taken into account on top of the epidemiological situation when activating and deactivating the preparedness and response levels. The Government will assess the risk from time to time in view of the latest scientific evidence and situation, activate or deactivate the response level and implement corresponding measures. Relevant agencies and organisations should take note of this Plan in devising their own contingency plans and response measures," the spokesman added.

     Imported cases of dengue fever have occurred frequently in Hong Kong while sporadic local cases have also occurred occasionally. In August 2018, a local outbreak of dengue fever with a total of 29 cases was recorded. As of April 11, CHP had recorded 39 confirmed cases this year, all of which were imported cases.

     "The public should maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. The public are reminded that eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes and avoiding mosquito bites are key to preventing dengue fever. The public may refer to the CHP's pages on vector-borne diseases and tips for using insect repellents, and also the health education resources on mosquito control at the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's website, for details," the spokesman said in an appeal to members of the public.

     The Plan has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/govt_preparedness_and_response_plan_for_dengue_fever_en_201904.pdf).