Do you know what Dengue fever is? Why do we have to be alert of it in summer?

The Dengue virus is transmitted by a particular mosquito which can be found in Hong Kong. The city's hot summers and heavy rainfall provide favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

We should remain vigilant against the transmission of Dengue fever, and Hong Kong needs your help to prevent the spread of the disease.

Prevention tips

* Wrap up refuse such as cans, empty bottles and empty boxes before placing them in litter containers to prevent accumulation of stagnant water;

* change water for flowers and plants at least once a week. Remove still water in containers like vases, flower pots and buckets where mosquitoes breed easily;

* cover tightly all water containers;

* avoid going into scrubby areas;

* apply insect repellant to exposed parts of the body and wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers when going into scrubby areas;

* walk on footpaths instead of passing through the woods;

* avoid taking rests near woods or under a tree;

* avoid picnicking or hiking at dawn or dusk;

* do not go picnicking or hiking when not feeling well to minimise the risk of infection;

* when picnicking, stay in places with air-conditioners or mosquito screens. If such facilities are not available, sleep in mosquito nets, spray adulticides and use mosquito coil;

* seek medical advice promptly whenever symptoms like fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash develop.