SFH speaks on dengue fever

     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a public function today (August 16):

Reporter: As there might be a big outbreak in Hong Kong, what measures have been taken to prevent the outbreak?

Secretary for Food and Health: On the day before yesterday, there were four (local) dengue fever cases in total within one day. We are very concerned about the situation and we want to reduce the risk of any outbreak. Therefore, it is important for us to take a number of measures including the mosquito control by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). There would be a territory-wide campaign. On one hand, the FEHD is working on different sites, trying to eliminate mosquito breeding at the source. On the other hand, I think it is also important for everybody in the community to be alert, pay attention to mosquito prevention and do whatever they need to do. Government departments such as those responsible for the management of parks and private housing estates should take appropriate measures. Those are some of the possible sources of mosquito breeding, especially there was heavy rain in the last few days. The Centre for Health Protection will continue the surveillance on dengue fever. In collaboration with the Hospital Authority (HA), they have already established an e-Dengue platform so that we can better track new cases of dengue fever coming to HA.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)