Hong Kong and Guangdong health authorities have agreed to include Japanese B encephalitis in the infectious disease notification mechanism, and notify each other of outbreaks of other significant infectious diseases as quickly as possible to safeguard public health.

This will help to keep both sides aware of the latest situation and facilitate necessary actions. Both parties shared the view that strengthened communication is key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the two places.

In a meeting with Guangdong Health Department officials today, Hong Kong's Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Pak-yin said Hong Kong is concerned about the encephalitis outbreak in the province.

Sporadic encephalitis cases were also recorded in Hong Kong over the years, he noted, adding that anti-mosquito efforts have been stepped up to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases from spreading.

Guangdong health officials responded that encephalitis is prevalent in the province between May and July, adding that there is a slight increase in the number of reported cases in the province as compared with the same period last year. 

There are also clusters of outbreaks in some areas. The provincial government said it has spared no effort in clinical treatment and infection control.

While time is needed to collect and collate figures when observing encephalitis in the province due to its large area and considerable population flow, citizens are reminded to take every possible measure to prevent the disease.

At today's meeting, Hong Kong and Guangdong also exchanged views on infectious disease prevention, especially in controlling acute diarrhoeal diseases and diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, which usually occurred in summer.