The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will visit Shanghai from August 12 to 14, together with the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Education delegation comprising 14 LegCo Members, to learn about the latest local developments in patriotic education, digital education and innovation and technology (I&T).
 
     During the trip, Dr Choi and the delegation will call on officials of Shanghai Municipality and visit patriotic education bases, local schools and a university, as well as I&T units. They will also interact with Hong Kong youngsters studying or working in Shanghai.
 
     During Dr Choi's absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

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

     The Legislative Council Panel on Education will depart for Shanghai and Suzhou next Monday (August 12) to conduct a four-day duty visit.

     The objectives of the visit are for Members to learn about how Shanghai and Suzhou promote patriotic education, strengthen research-academic-industry collaboration, expedite digital transformation in education, and enhance the quality of education services. During the visit, Members will meet with representatives of the relevant Mainland authorities and universities to explore ways to promote international education co-operation in the Belt and Road.

     The delegation will visit the following places and organisations from August 12 to 15:

     Shanghai

• Grand neoBay Sci-tech Innovation Park of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University Student Innovation Center
• Minhang Special School for Mentally Retarded Children
• Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China
• Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial
• Xinjiangwan Experimental School Affiliated to Tongji University
• China Welfare Institute Kindergarten
• Zhangjiang AI (Artificial Intelligence) Robot Valley
• Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence of Fudan University

     Suzhou

• Nanjing University Suzhou Campus
• Artificial Intelligence Experience Centre in the Suzhou Industrial Park
• Silk Road School of Renmin University of China (Suzhou)
• Suzhou Revolution Museum

     The delegation is led by the Chairman of the Panel on Education, Professor Priscilla Leung. Other participating members include the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Dr Chow Man-kong, Panel members Dr Starry Lee, Mr Chu Kwok-keung, Dr Tik Chi-yuen, Mr Stanley Ng, Mr Lam Chun-sing, Mr Lam San-keung, Ms Lillian Kwok, Mr Tang Fei and Professor Lau Chi-pang; as well as non-Panel members Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Dr Junius Ho and Dr Ngan Man-yu.

     At the invitation of the Panel, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will join the duty visit.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 9) said that two new confirmed melioidosis infection cases had been recorded in the past week (August 2 to 8).

     The first case is an imported case involving a 42-year-old female. She presented with pain and swelling on a wound on her foot in her place of residence overseas and sought medical attention in early July. She arrived in Hong Kong on July 20, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital for medical attention due to persistent symptoms on July 29. Her clinical sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. She was admitted for treatment and has been in stable condition. Epidemiological investigations revealed that the patient lived overseas during the incubation period and her wound had contact with soil and muddy water at her place of residence.

     The second case involves a 62-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He lives in Tuen Mun. He developed a cough and sought medical attention from private doctors in early July. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital on August 1 due to a fever, persistent cough and shortness of breath, and was admitted on the same day. He is now in serious condition. His clinical sample was confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. 

     So far, seven melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2023, 17 melioidosis infection cases were recorded.

     A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

     The CHP reminded members of the public that melioidosis can be spread by contaminated soil and water during and after typhoons and storms. Where practicable, people should stay indoors during typhoons and storms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

     Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
 

• Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
• Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
• Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
• Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
• Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
• Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.

     The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 9) 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 August 2 to yesterday (August 8), the CHP recorded three imported DF cases; the patients had been to Thailand, Malaysia and India respectively during the incubation periods.

     As of yesterday, 43 cases of DF, including 40 imported and three local cases, had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, ongoing transmissions, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, had resulted in close to a historic high of over 6.5 million cases, and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Peru, have recorded over 10 million cases, a record number. 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 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 a 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.

     
     â€‹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
• Reapply 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.

     â€‹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.

     â€‹The Home Affairs Department will continue to open 19 community halls/community centres as temporary heat shelters today (August 9).

     The temporary heat shelters will remain open for people to take refuge from the heat when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. From 10.30pm to 8am the next day, the temporary heat shelters will also provide bedding and a sleeping place for people in need. The shelters are manned by duty attendants.

     For further information, please call the department's hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.

     The heat shelters are located at:

Hong Kong Island:
———————

Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun

Eastern –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay

Southern –
Lei Tung Community Hall
Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau

Wan Chai –
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

Kowloon Districts:
——————

Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom

Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin

Sham Shui Po –
Shek Kip Mei Community Hall
G/F, Block 42, Shek Kip Mei Estate, Sham Shui Po

Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan

Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei

New Territories Districts:
————————–

Islands –
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung

Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung

North –
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling

Sai Kung –
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sha Tin –
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan –
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun –
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
 
Yuen Long –
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long
 
Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai

     In addition to the above heat shelters, a number of community halls/community centres can also be used for taking refuge from the heat during their operating hours. For their address details, please browse the following document: www.had.gov.hk/file_manager/en/documents/public_services/emergency_services/List_CH_CC_Day_E.pdf.