Hong Kong park reopens after dengue fever outbreak

One of Hong Kong’s best known parks, the Lion Rock Country Park, has reopened – having been closed for almost two months as a result of being seen as a location for an outbreak of dengue fever.

Thought to be one of the origins of the dengue fever epidemic, Lion Rock Country Park was closed on 17th August for workers to destroy mosquito breeding sites. City authorities have declared the end of that outbreak.

Before the closure, 11 cases of the mosquito-borne disease were reported within four days, with nine cases traced back to the 5.07-hectare park.

As of 4th September, there were 29 dengue fever cases recorded in the city, compared with only one local case confirmed in the same period last year.

The dengue virus is spread by the Aedes albopictus mosquito, which is common in Hong Kong. Those infected are likely to display symptoms such as high fever, severe headache and muscle pain. While fatalities are rare, the risks are higher for elderly patients.

The Pest Control Steering Committee initially ordered the park closed for 30 days, but its opening was delayed as monster storm Typhoon Mangkhut hit the city.

Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, which conducted inspections at the park before its opening, was “satisfied” with the “mosquito control work”, according to a government spokesman.

The popular Kowloon green space is managed by Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which oversees 42 public parks, zoos and gardens in the Administrative region.