Update on dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 23) 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 16 to yesterday (August 22), the CHP recorded seven DF cases, including six imported cases; the patients had been to the Philippines (four cases), Singapore (one case) and Vietnam (one case) respectively during the incubation periods. The other one was thelocal DF caseannounced on August 16.
As of yesterday, 51 cases of DF, including 47 imported and four 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 transmission, 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 11 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.
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.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.
Source: AI-generated images
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Beijing today (October 23). In the morning, he called on the China Securities Regulatory Commission and met with its Chairman, Mr Wu Qing. The two sides had a detailed exchange of views on strengthening collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong in securities market regulation and development, as well as further deepening mutual market access. The Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung, also attended the meeting.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and met with Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr Yuan Xiaoming, to exchange views on further deepening economic and trade co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, accompanied Mr Chan at the meeting.
In the presence of Mr Chan and Mr Yuan, Mr Yau signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on strengthening the economic and trade co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong with the Director-General of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the MOC, Mr Sun Yi, and an MOU on strengthening the exchanges and co-operation with free trade zones and ports with the Director-General of the Department of Pilot Free Trade Zone and Free Trade Port of the MOC, Ms He Yongqian, respectively, under the mechanism of the Mainland and Hong Kong Economic and Trade Co-operation Committee.
Through the signing of the MOUs, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the MOC will further strengthen exchanges and co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in key economic and trade areas, and deepen the alignment of the Mainland's pilot free trade zones and free trade port with Hong Kong, fully leveraging their respective advantages, jointly serving the country's high-level opening-up and bringing economic and trade co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong to new heights.
Mr Chan thanked the MOC for its continuous strong support for the HKSAR Government's efforts to promote Hong Kong's economic and trade development. He said that the HKSAR Government will leverage the advantages of Hong Kong's internationalised business environment, professional services system and global resources network to further give full play to Hong Kong's dual roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder", enhance its competitiveness and international influence, and consolidate its status as an international trade centre, while contributing to the country's high-quality economic development.
The Chief Executive announced in the 2026 Policy Address that, following the signing in 2024 of an amendment agreement to further open up the services market of the Mainland under the framework of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the two sides will sign an MOU to continue jointly pursuing the comprehensive upgrade of CEPA, with a view to deepening co-operation between the service sectors of Hong Kong and the Mainland, as well as further expanding Mainland market access and areas of liberalisation.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan also visited an artificial intelligence company and met with its senior management
Mr Chan will depart for Hong Kong tomorrow (October 24) morning.
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS calls on central ministries and commissions and visits AI enterprise in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
