The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 29) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From November 22 to 28, the CHP recorded two imported DF cases. The patients had respectively been to Guangdong in Mainland China (one case) and Vietnam (one case) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (November 28), 193 cases had been recorded this year (including 192 imported cases and one local case), as compared with 157 cases recorded in the same period last year. The imported cases were mainly from Thailand (32), Malaysia (27) and the Philippines (24). 

     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. According to the World Health Organization, some Asian countries are experiencing unusually high numbers of DF cases this year. The numbers of cases in some countries were significantly higher than the numbers for the same period in 2018, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
   
     Separately, according to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, as of October 31, 5 315 cases had been recorded in Guangdong this year, which was significantly higher than that in the same period last year (2 752 cases). The numbers of cases recorded in August, September and October were 1 209, 1 430 and 1 880 respectively. In Taiwan, as of yesterday, 598 cases (including 100 local cases) had been recorded in 2019.

     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). Members of the public 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.

     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 latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     To help members of the public to take ferries to attend workshops and activities organised by the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau and Kat O during the temporary closure of University Station, the EPD will arrange weekend free shuttle services between Sha Tin town centre and Ma Liu Shui Landing No. 3 from November 30 (Saturday) to December 15 (Sunday). Detailed information is as follows:
 

     Each shuttle bus will accommodate a maximum of 60 passengers. Members of the public are welcome to take the free shuttle buses, which will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The EPD may adjust the service times or suspend the service in response to the latest road conditions. Please refer to the on-site announcements.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 29) released the findings of its food safety report for the last month. The results of about 16 400 food samples tested were satisfactory except for 21 samples and they were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

     A CFS spokesman said about 1 800 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, some 5 500 samples were taken for chemical tests and the remaining 9 100 (including about 8 400 taken from food imported from Japan) were collected to test radiation levels.

     The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators, while the chemical tests included pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others.

     The samples comprised about 4 200 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; 1 100 samples of cereals, grains and their products; 1 300 samples of meat and poultry and their products; 1 200 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; 2 000 samples of aquatic and related products; and 6 600 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

     The 21 unsatisfactory samples comprised eight frozen confection samples detected with counts of hygiene indicator organisms exceeding the legal limits; three crab samples, one vegetable sample and one rice sample detected with excessive cadmium; two silver cod samples detected with mercury exceeding the legal limit; a fresh beef sample found to contain sulphur dioxide; a pickled green mustard sample detected with excessive preservative; a roast drumstick sample found to contain excessive Bacillus cereus; a vegetable sample detected with excessive pesticide residue; a nutmeg powder sample contaminated with aflatoxins; and a chilled chicken sample found to contain veterinary drug residue.

     The CFS has taken follow-up action on the unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items and tracing the sources of the food items in question.
 
     Since the Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation (Cap 132CM) came into effect on August 1, 2014, as of October 31 this year, the CFS has taken over 189 500 food samples at import, wholesale and retail levels for testing for pesticide residues. The overall unsatisfactory rate is less than 0.2 per cent.

     The spokesman added that excessive pesticide residues in food may arise from the trade not observing Good Agricultural Practice, e.g. using excessive pesticides and/or not allowing sufficient time for pesticides to decompose before harvesting. The maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticide residues in food is not a safety indicator. It is the maximum concentration of pesticide residues to be permitted in a food commodity under Good Agricultural Practice when applying pesticides. In this connection, consumption of food with pesticide residues higher than the MRL will not necessarily lead to any adverse health effects.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food for sale is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

     The Lands Department announced today (November 29) that demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending December 25 in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Chapter 40) and certain other properties have been issued.

     Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means including autopay, bank automated teller machines (ATMs), e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

     Payment may be made by sending a crossed cheque to PO Box No. 28000, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong, or in person to any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations of post offices and their opening hours, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline at 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

     Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, or call 2231 3033.

     Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033 or email to landsd@landsd.gov.hk. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 29) that the following leisure and sports facilities will be temporarily closed:
 
(a) The mini-soccer pitch at Kowloon Park in Yau Tsim Mong District will be temporarily closed from December 1 to January 31, 2020 for renovation works. During the closure period, the public may use similar facilities at King George V Memorial Park, Kowloon in the same district. 

(b) The turf pitch at Tai Po Sports Ground in Tai Po District will be temporarily closed from December 17 to 30 for turf maintenance works, while the running track will remain open. During the closure period, the public may use similar facilities at Kwong Fuk Park Football Pitch or Kwong Fuk Football Ground in the same district. 

     For the most up-to-date closure schedules of the above leisure and sports facilities, the public may refer to the notices at the venues or contact venue staff directly.