The Centre for Health Protection urges the public to stay alert to the threat of Dengue fever and to take anti-mosquito measures as more than 190 cases have been reported in Guangdong.

Principal Medical & Health Officer Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan today said the province has entered the peak season for the disease and there has been a significant surge in the number of cases in recent months.

Department of Health and Food & Environmental Hygiene Department staff have been sent to Guangzhou to learn more about the situation.

Dr Chuang said Guangdong authorities have bolstered anti-mosquito measures and enhanced surveillance. The Government will closely monitor the situation and a cross-departmental meeting will be held this week to review the situation.

Preventive measures

To better monitor the disease in Hong Kong, the centre has requested all local doctors to inform it of any suspected case. Publicity has also been enhanced at all crossing points and the Travel Industry Council has been briefed on the situation.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau said the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will intensify its mosquito preventive and control work in various districts.

Enforcement action will be taken against mosquito breeding. The department has advised cross-boundary transport companies to take anti-mosquito measures.

Various departments have been reminded to help eliminate mosquito breeding in high-risk areas. The Home Affairs Department will conduct improvements to facilities maintained by the department, such as footpaths or drainage channels.

The Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee tasked to co-ordinate anti-mosquito business from the centre has ensured that cross departmental efforts remain in full swing, Mrs Yau said.

Another case confirmed

The centre has confirmed an imported case involving a 50-year-old Ma On Shan woman. She travelled to the Philippines August 4 to 14 and developed symptoms on August 18. She has been admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital in stable condition.

So far, 24 Dengue fever cases have been reported in Hong Kong - all imported.

For details on Dengue fever and its prevention, click here. The latest information on Dengue fever on the Mainland and overseas is available here.