Dengue Fever Cases Rise: CHP Urges Public to Enhance Mosquito Control Measures

2024-08-30 17:15 Last Updated At：09-01 12:19

Update on dengue fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 30) 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 23 to yesterday (August 29), the CHP recorded three imported DF cases; the patients had been to India, the Mainland and the Philippines respectively during the incubation periods.

As of yesterday, 54 cases of DF, including 50 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 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 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.

Families Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Positive Parenting Event in Hong Kong

2024-09-14 19:50 Last Updated At：20:18

"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement event to promote positive parenting and strengthen family bonding held today

The Commission on Children (CoC), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Social Welfare Department today (September 14) jointly held the"Let's T.A.L.K. and Walk with Kids" stakeholder engagement and Mid-Autumn Festival celebration event under the theme of positive parenting and family bonding. Through a variety of parent-child interactive games, stress relief activities and sharing sessions, the event aimed at promoting positive parenting, enhancing family bonding and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Over 80 participants from around 30 families with children participating in the Child Development Fund

and their family members attended the event. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Vice-chairperson of the CoC, Mr Chris Sun, together with ex-officio member of the CoC, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee, joined the event to cheer on the parents and children.

Mr Sun said that a harmonious family relationship is conducive to the healthy development of children, both physically and mentally. He encouraged parents to spend more time playing with their children and share quality parent-child moments together. Mr Siu hoped that the event, with a series of diverse and challenging parent-child interactive games, would provide participants with special family time together, and could promote positive and healthy family relationships. Miss Lee said that families are the cornerstone of society and the backbone of child protection. She encouraged families to develop stronger familial bonds and enhanced care so that a loving and harmonious environment can be built for the children.

As part of the "Walk with Kids" thematic campaign of the CoC, the stakeholder engagement event was conducted in the format of a day camp at the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp at Pat Heung. Non-official members of the CoC moderated the group sharing sessions, listening to parents sharing parenting experiences, and providing suggestions for practising positive parenting and enhancing family relationships. Under the guidance of the clinical psychologist from the HKPF, parents also learned and shared relaxation techniques with an aim to assist them in facing parenting challenges with a positive mindset amid their busy daily lives. Apart from a series of parent-child adventure and experiential activities, there was a lantern-making workshop to enhance interaction and collaboration between parents and their children, riding on the vibe of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Dengue Fever Cases Rise: CHP Urges Public to Enhance Mosquito Control Measures

HK

Dengue Fever Cases Rise: CHP Urges Public to Enhance Mosquito Control Measures

Next Article

Families Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Positive Parenting Event in Hong Kong

Health Bureau Launches ‘e+ Life’ Platform with First Challenge: ‘e+ Go to Park’ to Promote Healthy Habits

Hong Kong Police College Graduates 193 New Officers Committed to National Security and Community Safety

John Lee Engages Wong Tai Sin Residents on Healthcare and Policy Concerns During District Visit

Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority Delegation Visits Beijing to Enhance Healthcare Collaboration and Talent Exchange.

Dr. Ronald Lam Leads Delegation to Beijing for Health Innovation and Cooperation Meetings

Dr. Choi Yuk-lin Advocates for Hong Kong Education at UNESCO and OECD Meetings in Paris

Stay Safe in Heat: CHP Urges Public to Prevent Heat Stroke and Sunburn Outdoors