The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 26) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
A. Dengue fever
 
     From July 19 to 25, the CHP confirmed 11 imported DF cases. The patients had been to Cambodia (five cases, including two epidemiologically linked cases), Indonesia (three cases), Thailand (two cases) and Nepal (one case) during the incubation period.
 
     As of yesterday (July 25), 95 cases had been recorded this year, as compared with 51 cases recorded in the same period last year. All the cases recorded in 2019 were imported, mainly from Malaysia (17), Thailand (17) and Indonesia (16).
     
     The CHP has been closely monitoring the latest DF situation in neighbouring and overseas areas. DF is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas this year has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).
 
     According to the ovitrap data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus rose from 11 per cent in May to 16 per cent in June, indicating that mosquito infestation was slightly more extensive in the areas surveyed. Members of the public, especially residents in areas with extensive mosquito infestation, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.
 
     ​"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
B. Chikungunya fever
 
​     From July 19 to 25, the CHP confirmed one CF case. The patient had been to Thailand during the incubation period. As of yesterday (July 25), five confirmed CF cases had been recorded this year, all of which were imported cases from Thailand.
 
     CF is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the chikungunya virus. It is clinically characterised by fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and a rash. Joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be prolonged for weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years.
 
     Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Although the vector Aedes aegypti is not found in Hong Kong, another vector, Aedes albopictus, is widely distributed locally. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight hours, though there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
•   
  * For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.
   

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the CF page of the CHP, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. 

Attention Radio/ TV Announcers:

Please broadcast the following announcement as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Environmental Protection Department announced today (July 26) that the Island West Transfer Station in Kennedy Town has been partially reopened to provide limited services. The transfer station was temporarily closed earlier for essential checking after a fire incident.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The 54th issue of "HA Risk Alert" is published today (July 26) by the Hospital Authority (HA) as a risk management and communication initiative to further strengthen the reporting and monitoring of medical incidents in public hospitals.
      
     In the first quarter of 2019 (January – March), there were 12 Sentinel Events reported, including four cases of retained instrument after surgery/interventional procedure, five cases of inpatient suicide, one case of wrong side procedure, one case of maternal morbidity four days after delivery and one case of other categories. Among the 16 reported Serious Untoward Events, all were related to medication error.
      
     "Subsequent to incident review and analysis of root causes of these incidents, important lessons of patient safety are identified, while recommendations are made and shared in this publication to avoid similar events in future," the HA spokesperson said.
      
     The Hospital Authority Head Office has released the latest "HA Risk Alert" to all staff. It can also be accessed by the public at www.ha.org.hk/riskalert. "HA Risk Alert" is published on a quarterly basis and posted on the HA website every last working Friday in the month of January, April, July and October. The next issue is scheduled for October 25 (Friday).

     The Government announced today (July 26) the appointment of a new member, Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau, and the re-appointment of two incumbent members, namely Mr Nelson Lam Chi-yuen and Miss Mabel Chan Mei-bo, to the Air Transport Licensing Authority for two years from August 1, 2019.

     The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, said, "We are confident that the team of new and serving members, with their expertise and backgrounds in different sectors, will make valuable contributions to the work of the Authority in facilitating the development of air services in Hong Kong.

     "The Government is most grateful to the retiring member, Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han, for her invaluable contributions during her six years with the Authority. Her current term of service will expire on July 31, 2019."

     The Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, Cap. 448 sub. leg. A. It is responsible for considering applications from airlines of Hong Kong for licences to operate scheduled services to and from Hong Kong in accordance with the provisions of the said regulations.

     The appointments have been published in the Government Gazette today.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, July 26, 2019 is 105.2(up 0.1 against yesterday's index).