As the first case of Dengue fever in Hong Kong this year has been confirmed, the Hong Kong government Tuesday urged local residents to take vigorous measures against mosquito to prevent further cases.

The case involved a 26-year-old man who fell ill on Sept. 27 with fever, headache, muscle pain and skin rash. He was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on Oct. 2, and is convalescing at home.

The patient's family and work contacts have been traced by the Department of Health and they are asymptomatic. However, as a precautionary measure, they are under close medical surveillance.

Hong Kong's Health and Food & Environmental Hygiene officers Tuesday visited the patient's residence in Yuen Kong Village and workplace at Kwai Chung Container Terminal for epidemiological survey and comprehensive mosquito control action.

The health department has set up a special hotline (2961 8966) for reporting cases, health advice and counseling. People who lived or visited Yuen Kong Village and Kwai Chung Container Terminal on or after Aug. 15 and who developed symptoms within 14 days are advised to call the hotline.

Hong Kong's Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Consultant Y Y Ho said government departments have been working closely in an all-out effort to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.

"The department has increased its manpower resources to tackle the mosquito problem. An extra 704 staff have been deployed to carry out anti-mosquito operations in various districts," Ho said.

Apart from daily anti-mosquito operations, the department has launched the yearly Hong Kong-wide anti-mosquito campaign. Monitoring of mosquito breeding has been strengthened to update the public on the mosquito breeding situation.

"The risk of contracting Dengue fever can only be effectively minimized should anti-mosquito measures be strictly observed by every member of the community," Ho said.

Close

Today's Top News		Top National News
+Southeast Asia looks ahead to free trade ( 2003-10-08) +Preferential policies remain intact ( 2003-10-08) +Tokyo to launch probe into Zhuhai hotel orgy ( 2003-10-08) +California picks actor as next governor ( 2003-10-08) +Halo around higher education dimming ( 2003-10-08)		+China's tourism industry urged to improve services ( 2003-10-08) +HK government urges public efforts against mosquitoes ( 2003-10-08) +Four-year university education initiated for China's stewardesses ( 2003-10-08) +China joins Treaty of Amity, Cooperation in Southeast Asia ( 2003-10-08) +Film-maker Zhang Yimou promotes Beijing ( 2003-10-08)