Dengue Fever Cases Rise in Hong Kong as Summer Approaches; Public Urged to Take Precautions.

Update on dengue fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 27) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases. As the local temperature and rainfall are rising gradually with the arrival of summer, the mosquito infestation may aggravate. In addition, members of the public will travel to DF-endemic regions more frequently during the summer holiday. Therefore, the risk of DF in Hong Kong is increasing. The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, urged the public to remain vigilant, and maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

From June 20 to yesterday (June 26), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to Singapore during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, 28 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, over 6.5 million cases and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries/territories. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number.

DF is prevalent in many neighboring tourist destinations. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 10 000 cases so far this year. Singapore also recorded over 2 000 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded a total of 31 local cases so far this year. Among these cases, eight local cases were recorded in Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Guangzhou and Zhaoqing in a week between June 9 and 15.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHPwebsite.

Members of the public 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.

As mosquitoes breed quickly during hot and rainy spring and summer months (i.e. from May to September), members of the public are reminded to continue with routine mosquito prevention and control work, and 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.

FEHD deeply grieved by death of Workman II

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, today (December 31) expressed profound sadness at the passing of a Workman II, Ms Li Haiying, and offered his deepest condolences to her family.

Ms Li was carrying out street cleansing duties this afternoon in the vicinity of Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. While transporting refuse to the junction of Waterloo Road and Ferry Street, she was knocked down by a goods vehicle. She was sent to hospital and later certified dead, aged 57. Investigation by the Police is under way.

Ms Li was under the Yau Tsim District Environmental Hygiene Office and was mainly responsible for street cleansing work.

Mr Ng said, "Having joined theFood and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for over nine years, Ms Li served the public with dedication and perseverance. I am deeply grieved at the loss of such a devoted colleague. On behalf of all our colleagues, I offer the deepest condolences to her family."

The FEHD will maintain close contact with Ms Li's family and provide all appropriate support and assistance to help them through this difficult time.

Source: AI-found images