Update on dengue fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 8) 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 November 1 to yesterday (November 7), the CHP recorded six imported DF cases. The patients had been to Guangdong Province (Foshan (four cases) and Zhongshan (one case)) and India (one case) during their incubation periods.
As of yesterday, 131 cases of DF, including 127 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. Since the beginning of 2024, the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, have recorded about 12 million cases, a record number.
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. 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 28 to November 3, more than 1 700 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang and Zhongshan.
In addition, the number of DF cases in Macao has been increasing recently. Since the first local case of this year reported on October 23, eight local cases have been reported in Macao as of yesterday.
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, Macao 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.
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes
Themed "Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond", Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 concluded today (November 8). The five-day annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ) was attended by a total of about 2 500 participants in person and online from nearly 50 jurisdictions, demonstrating Hong Kong's status as the leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment event was held today as the finale of Hong Kong Legal Week 2024. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, gave a video speech at the opening session. The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, and the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, also gave their opening remarks at the session. The keynote speech was delivered by Vice-Minister of Justice Mr Wang Zhenjiang.
It was followed by a panel discussion under the main theme of "A comprehensive regime provides a stable environment for businesses to grow" to explore how Hong Kong's unique strengths including its robust legal and judicial system, stringent anti-corruption and IP (intellectual property) protection framework and transparent mechanisms for dispute resolution position Hong Kong as a premier destination for businesses aiming for growth, innovation, and success in the competitive global arena. A Fireside Chat on good stories of Hong Kong enterprises was then held to discuss how Hong Kong's strategic positioning within the national framework has enabled its enterprises to thrive both locally and globally.
The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy was officially launched during today's event in the afternoon. Capitalising on Hong Kong's bilingual common law system and international status, the Academy will regularly organise different practical legal courses, seminars, international exchange activities and so forth to promote talent exchanges in areas along the Belt and Road. It will also provide foreign-related legal talent training for the country, as well as cultivate legal talent who are familiar with international law, common law, civil law, national legal systems as well as litigation and advocacy skills. Another panel discussion on the talent along the Belt and Road was conducted in the afternoon to examine how the next generation of talent can be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the country's rule of law.
Mr Lam also witnessed the signing of the co-operation agreement between the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association to facilitate regular exchanges and strengthen collaboration.
The Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment event and Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 were concluded with the closing remarks by Mr Lam.
Meanwhile, the DoJ has secured the hosting of the 11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors later this month. The DoJ will continue its efforts to organise a variety of relevant events to reinforce the public awareness of the rule of law and promote Hong Kong's status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia‑Pacific region.
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
