Tag Archives: China

image_pdfimage_print

Update on number of dengue fever cases

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 12) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From October 5 to 11, the CHP recorded 10 imported DF cases. The patients had been to Mainland China (nine) and the Philippines (one) during the incubation period. 

     As of yesterday (October 11), 120 cases had been confirmed this year, of which 29 were local cases and 91 were imported cases. The imported cases were mainly imported from Thailand (30), the Philippines (16) and Mainland China (14). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2018 revealed that 64 649 cases had been recorded in Thailand, 2 184 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 139 in Japan. In Taiwan, 147 local cases have been recorded to date 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 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. 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 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 may refer to the CHP’s tips for using insect repellents for details. read more

East Asia

Analytical Accounts of Exchange Fund

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released today (October 12) the key analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund at the end of September 2018.
 
     Foreign assets, representing the external assets of the Exchange Fund, increased during the month by HK$4.7 billion to HK$3,491.8 billion.
 
     The Monetary Base, comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, Government‑issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued, amounted to HK$1,619.6 billion.
 
     Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to HK$237.4 billion.
 
     The analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund are released in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and are referred to as the Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank under SDDS (Annex).
 
Release calendar
——————-
 
The release calendar of the Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund for 2019 is announced below:
 

Reference Month
 		 Release Date
January 2019 February 14, 2019
February 2019 March 14, 2019
March 2019 April 12, 2019
April 2019 May 14, 2019
May 2019 June 14, 2019
June 2019 July 12, 2019
July 2019 August 14, 2019
August 2019 September 13, 2019
September 2019 October 14, 2019
October 2019 November 14, 2019
November 2019 December 13, 2019
December 2019 January 14, 2020
 
*********************************************************
 
     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund’s data are issued by the HKMA each month.  Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS).  The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund’s Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA’s policy of maintaining a high level of transparency.  For the month of October 2018, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
 
October 5
(Issued)		 SDDS International Reserves (Hong Kong’s Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures)
 
October 12
 		 SDDS Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank (Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund)
 
October 31
 
 		 SDDS Template on International Reserves and
Foreign Currency Liquidity
 
October 31
 		 Exchange Fund Abridged Balance Sheet and
Currency Board Account
 
 
  read more

East Asia