Update on dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 25) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
From October 18 to yesterday (October 24), the CHP recorded 13 imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong Province (Foshan (eight cases), Zhongshan (two cases), Jiangmen (one case), and another case involving multiple cities in Guangdong Province) and Pakistan (one case) during their incubation periods.
As of yesterday, 112 cases of DF, including 108 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 and Singapore) compared to the same period last year.
According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, the number of DF cases recorded in Guangdong Province in the past three months continued to increase, with 233, 1 220 and 3 711 cases in July, August and September 2024 respectively. Most of the cases were locally acquired infection. Information from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention further showed that in the past week from October 14 to 20, more than 2 000 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jiangmen and Zhanjiang.
Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, have recorded about 12 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).
The continued occurrence of DF cases outside Hong Kong, coupled with the frequent travel by residents to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong and other areas, has resulted in an increased risk of importing DF cases into Hong Kong, posing a risk of local transmission.
"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.
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes
Hong Kong Customs, starting October 22, held the 34th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Contact Points (RCP) Meeting for four consecutive days, with the meeting concluding today (October 25).
This four-day meeting is the first large-scale regional event hosted by Hong Kong Customs since its assumption of the Vice-Chairpersonship in July this year. The meeting gathered more than 70 representatives from A/P customs administrations as well as from the WCO's regional entities, and included a series of thematic presentations and discussions focusing on A/P regional concerns. Participants explored customs initiatives, enforcement strategies and training experiences from diverse perspectives, while fostering co-operation and information sharing among A/P members.
The meeting started with a welcoming speech delivered on October 22 by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, in the capacity of WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region (APVC). Ms Ho highlighted that the meeting provided an important platform for the A/P members and regional entities to discuss and formulate global policies for the world customs community. Members were able to share ideas and experience, suggest customs initiatives, and stay updated with recent customs developments. She hoped that the commitment and dedication of the A/P family would facilitate regional co-operation to respond to evolving global challenges. Ms Ho also outlined the APVC’s workplan for the coming two years.
In her concluding remarks, as the meeting ended today, Ms Ho reckoned that the four-day meeting had yielded fruitful results. Firstly, the A/P members reaffirmed the regional development strategies for the next two years. Secondly, an innovative concept of utilising blockchain technology to develop a validation platform for regional development was explored during the meeting. Lastly, in-depth discussions on reviewing regional policies were also conducted at the meeting. She expressed appreciation to all delegates for their diligent participation, insightful contributions, and unwavering commitment to driving positive changes in regional development, making the meeting a resounding success.
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
34th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
