The Health Bureau, the Provisional Municipal Council of Macau and the Provisional Municipal Council of the Islands held a joint press conference today (30) to announce a series of measures taken to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

The measures included additional mosquito eradication throughout the SAR, and promotion of information on mosquito-born diseases among the populace.

Director of the Health Service Bureau, Mr. Kui Kuok Ieng, said at the press conference that some 400 spots throughout the SAR, including construction sites, old buildings and car dumps, would be cleaned and treated with pesticides. Areas with poor hygiene conditions would be a first priority.

Meanwhile, the two municipal councils will thoroughly clean and disinfect all wet markets, hawker areas and public gardens.

Mr. Kui said that since dengue virus, which causes dengue fever, is transmitted only by a certain kind of mosquito that bites mainly during the day, the authorities are confident that the measures taken are enough to keep the situation under control.

Initial symptoms of dengue fever include fever, sore muscles and joints, and headaches. People suffering from such symptoms are advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible, especially if the symptoms appear after traveling to Southeast Asia.

To help prevent the disease, clean up pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed, and keep mosquitoes away by using mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.