Tag Archives: China

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Update on dengue fever

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 17) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From November 10 to yesterday (November 16), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Taiwan during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday, 47 imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2023. In 2022, 26 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     “Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     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.
 
     ​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 following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more

East Asia

Secretary for Justice reviews Fire Services passing-out parade

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 22 station officers, 146 firemen and 50 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (November 17).

     Speaking at the parade, Mr Lam commended the Fire Services Department (FSD) for forming the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team with members from other government departments to carry out search and rescue work in quake-stricken areas in Türkiye in February and successfully rescuing four survivors. The team was awarded the inaugural Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance in July. Hong Kong people took pride in the team’s selfless devotion, which has also enhanced Hong Kong’s international reputation.

     He said, “To strengthen the graduates’ understanding of the country, the FSD organised the National Studies Course in which the graduates were given an opportunity to exchange views with the Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province and learn about the Mainland’s advanced equipment and new technologies. Graduates are encouraged to continue to actively participate in the exchange sessions organised for fire and ambulance personnel of both Hong Kong and Guangdong Province to foster closer co-operation between the both sides. Such sessions would also enhance the professional and technical standards of both sides, and further contribute to strengthening the emergency response and rescue capabilities of the Greater Bay Area.” 

     Mr Lam pointed out that the FSD has been actively taking part in the education on the rule of law, including instilling positive values and law-abiding spirit among the youth through the Fire and Ambulance Services Teen Connect and social media platforms. 

     He added that to safeguard national security and prevent terrorist attacks, the FSD has formulated operation strategies and conducted joint operations and interdepartmental counter-terrorism exercises with other relevant departments in order to enhance emergency response capabilities.

     The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 218 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots. read more

East Asia