Update on dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 26) 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 July 19 to yesterday (July 25), the CHP recorded one imported DF case; the patient had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.
As of yesterday, 38 cases of DF, including 35 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 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 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:
DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
* 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
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) supported the inaugural Hong Kong - Indonesia Digital Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (October 17). The Summit was jointly organised by the Indonesia Hong Kong Business Association and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
The Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, shared with Summit participants during the gala dinner the latest initiatives related to the development of new quality productive forces and the promotion of Hong Kong's digital economy as announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" delivered by the Chief Executive yesterday (October 16), with a view to publicising the city’s latest developments and opportunities.
Addressing the event, Miss Cheng stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre by promoting the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries while diligently nurturing emerging ones. The measures include increasing investment and guiding market capital to invest in I&T industries, while an HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up to guide more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology and artificial intelligence.
She added, "The HKSAR Government will press ahead with the development of a digital economy. We will also expedite the integrated development of the digital economy and the real economy, which includes accelerating the digital transformation of industries, strengthening digital infrastructure, and exploring development of a data trading ecosystem.
"In the digital world, data is king. Under the 'one country, two systems' framework, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in cross-boundary data flow. The HKSAR Government is exploring on a pilot basis facilitation arrangements for cross boundary data flow within the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area. Such co-operation would bring enormous opportunities for research and development work."
The gala dinner was attended by over 150 participants including senior representatives from government and business circles, as well as I&T companies.
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Jakarta promotes latest initiatives of Policy Address in Indonesia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
