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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health was investigating yesterday evening (August 7) a local case 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.

Please access the links below for the details of the press release: 
English version: http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201708/07/P2017080700891.htm
Chinese version: http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201708/07/P2017080700892.htm

This is the first local case of dengue fever recorded this year.

In the rainy season, 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 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 long 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 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.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the DF pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health Newstips for using insect repellents, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the FEHD’s Guidebook on Control and Prevention of Mosquito Breeding for more information. 

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