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| Port Health Division staff members conduct an inspection at the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal to strengthen anti-mosquito measures |
No new case of chikungunya fever was reported today and the number of this year’s cases remains at five, but the Hong Kong government continues to strengthen efforts in mosquito control and elimination to prevent an outbreak.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of
Health (DH) said it will continue to strengthen its surveillance work and
advised residents to maintain strict environmental hygiene, control of the Aedes
albopictus mosquito whch spreads the disease, and personal protective measures to
avoid mosquito bites both locally and when travelling outside of Hong Kong.
CHP said all five CF cases this year were imported. From
2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year,
all of which were also imported cases.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
“In view of the occurrence of multiple imported cases in
Hong Kong,” the CHP said, “the risk of secondary local transmission via
mosquitoes exists.”
The CHP will again remind doctors to arrange testing for
patients with CF symptoms, regardless of travel history. The CHP's Public
Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing to ensure rapid
diagnosis.
The CHP also appealed to the public, through information
campaigns such as Info Stations across various districts in Hong Kong and health
talks at more than 300 health promotion activities provided to the elderly and
their carers, to observe precautions for preventing CF.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) also appealed
to members of the public to help carry out mosquito prevention and control
measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove
potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner
surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week,
and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes.
The FEHD also advised members of the public and estate
management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective
ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub
all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to
remove any mosquito eggs.
“The effectiveness of mosquito control relies on the
concerted efforts and active participation of stakeholders from various
sectors, including pest control operators in both public and private sectors,
venue management and the general public, to prevent CF,” FEHD said.
