The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 21) urged the public to carry out preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites while celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival.

     There are many mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever (DF), chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis (JE), malaria, yellow fever and Zika virus infection. These diseases are endemic in many overseas countries. In recent years, local cases of DF and JE have been recorded in Hong Kong. 

     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Regarding DF, a record high of 29 local cases have been detected since mid-August this year. The public are reminded that eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes and avoiding mosquito bites are key to preventing DF. When doing outdoor activities such as visiting parks, grass pitches and beaches during the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, one needs to apply DEET-containing mosquito repellents to exposed parts of the body and clothing for better personal protection."

     In addition, members of the public who intend to travel during the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays should stay alert to the DF situation and other mosquito-borne diseases in their destinations and carry out anti-mosquito measures as necessary.

　　Regarding the latest DF situation, as of yesterday, a total of 108 cases had been confirmed in 2018, comprising 29 local and 79 imported cases mainly from Thailand (30), the Philippines (14) and Cambodia (9). From September 14 to 20, two imported DF case were recorded and the patients had been to Bangladesh (one case) and Thailand (one case) in the incubation period.

     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2018 revealed that 57 129 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 045 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 119 in Japan. In Taiwan, 117 local cases have been recorded to date in 2018. In the Americas, 29 665 cases have been filed to date in Mexico in 2018.
     
     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.

 
     To reduce the risk of infections being spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. Among the imported DF cases recorded in Hong Kong since 2015 (as of yesterday), the most common places for acquiring the infection included Thailand (88), Indonesia (65), the Philippines (65), India (26), Malaysia (23), Vietnam (23) and Cambodia (20). People should pay particular attention to anti-mosquito measures when travelling to these countries and after coming back to Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below: 
 

• Read carefully the label instructions 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.

     Currently, vaccines are available in Hong Kong as preventive measures against yellow fever and JE, while anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis is also available. Members of the public planning to travel to affected areas should consult their doctors for advice on vaccination or chemoprophylaxis. Travellers planning to receive yellow fever vaccination and travel health medical advice should arrange travel health consultation with the DH's Travel Health Service at least six to eight weeks before the trip.
 
     The public may visit the CHP website, the latest Travel Health News and tips for using insect repellents for more information.

     The Government gazetted today (September 21) the proposed retrofitting of escalators for a footbridge across Castle Peak Road – Kwai Chung near MTR Tai Wo Hau Station Exit B. The proposed works are required to provide a more comfortable route for commuters travelling between MTR Tai Wo Hau Station and Tai Wo Hau Estate as well as Kwai Chung Estate.

     Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plan and scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:

Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
G/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong
 
Tsuen Wan Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
1/F, Tsuen Wan Multi-storey Carpark Building,
174-208 Castle Peak Road,
Tsuen Wan, New Territories
 
Kwai Tsing Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
2/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices Building,
166-174 Hing Fong Road,
Kwai Chung, New Territories
 
District Lands Office, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing,
10/F, Tsuen Wan Multi-storey Carpark Building,
174-208 Castle Peak Road,
Tsuen Wan, New Territories
 
     The gazette notice, scheme, plan and location plan will be available at
www.thb.gov.hk/eng/psp/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.htm.
 
     Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Housing an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
 

• By post or by hand to the Transport and Housing Bureau's drop-in box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
• By fax to 2868 4643; or
• By email to gazettethb@thb.gov.hk.

     A notice of objection should describe the objector's interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Housing not later than November 20, 2018.

     The Government today (September 21) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (ISIL and Al-Qaida) Regulation, which came into operation today.

      "The Regulation implements sanctions against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities imposed by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 2368," a Government spokesman said.

     The sanctions imposed under the Regulation include:

* prohibition against the supply, sale, transfer or carriage of arms or related materiel to ISIL and Al-Qaida;

* prohibition against the provision of advice, assistance or training related to military activities to ISIL and Al-Qaida;

* prohibition against making available to ISIL and Al-Qaida any funds or other financial assets or economic resources, or dealing with funds or other financial assets or economic resources of ISIL and Al-Qaida; and

* prohibition against entry into or transit through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by individuals associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida.

     The Government gazetted today (September 21) the proposed site formation and infrastructure works at Pok Fu Lam South, Hong Kong, to serve the anticipated traffic demand induced by the future public housing developments there.

     Details of the proposal are set out in the Annex. The plan and scheme of the works are available for public inspection at the following government offices during office hours:

Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre,
G/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Southern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre, 
G/F, Ocean Court,
3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

District Lands Office, Hong Kong West and South, 
20/F, Southorn Centre,
130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

     The gazette notice, scheme, plan and location plan will be available at www.thb.gov.hk/eng/psp/publications/transport/gazette/gazette.htm.

     Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, is required to address to the Secretary for Transport and Housing an objection in writing, which can be submitted via the following means:
 

• By post or by hand to the Transport and Housing Bureau's drop-in box No. 6 located at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong. The box is available for use between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays);
• By fax to 2868 4643; or
• By email to gazettethb@thb.gov.hk.

     A notice of objection should describe the objector's interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Housing not later than November 20, 2018.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

　　The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson reminds the members of the public today (September 21) that 12 general out-patient clinics (see table below) under HA will continue to provide services on the holiday following the Mid-autumn Festival next Tuesday (September 25).  Patients requiring medical consultation could make advance booking for an appointment through the telephone system as usual.  Furthermore, an Accident & Emergency (A&E) doctor of public hospital urges the public to stay vigilance during the festival to prevent accidents, particularly not to play with burning wax and handle glow sticks carefully to prevent accidental ingest chemicals or splash into eyes.

      According to the HA spokesperson, to help find the appropriate family medicine doctor and related clinic service of their choice, public are welcome to call the HA Infoline (2882 4866) for information on holiday general out-patient clinic service. They can also browse the Primary Care Directory of Department of Health at www.pcdirectory.gov.hk, or download the mobile App of Primary Care Directory.

　　With the approach of the Mid-autumn Festival, HA consultant emergency physician Dr Lau Chu-leung advises the public that burning wax is a very dangerous activity.  It will cause burn injuries with permanent scars.  In severe cases, the mobility of limbs may also be affected. The temperature of hot wax is even higher than that of boiling water. It will possibly lead to third-degree (severe level) burns.  Patients with third-degree burns will have their dermis and skin nerves seriously damaged and the wound will not be able to heal by itself.  These patients will require a prolonged management and treatment.

　　"In case of accidental burns, patients are advised to take some simple first-aid measures, such as rinsing the wound gently with clean water or to wrap the wound with clean gauze or plastic wrap to minimise the risk of infection." Dr Lau added.

　　Furthermore, glow sticks are frequently used in festival for fun. Dr Lau reminds the public to handle glow sticks carefully and avoid overbending it.  The chemicals in a broken glow stick may splash into eyes, causing injury to the cornea and impair vision. Parents should prevent children from ingesting the chemicals of glow sticks accidentally. The chemicals can cause irritation and pain to the mouth, and dizziness in extreme circumstances.

　　"Anyone accidentally splash the chemicals in the eyes should rinse with clean water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately and seek medical consultation nearby. People should dispose the glow sticks properly after the festival as glow sticks will wear out and more easily break on bending." said Dr Lau.
 

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