While the threat of SARS has apparently diminished to the point where masks are no longer required in hospitals and clinics from Tuesday, a government task force has launched a series of measures on the prevention of dengue fever.

This year's anti-dengue fever campaign will take the forms of exhibitions, shows and games from April to mid-June to help citizens better understand self-prevention measures against dengue fever.

Health Bureau Director Koi Kuok Ieng has predicted that the disease would probably re-emerge this year, as dengue fever usually breaks out every three to four years.

As it is important to educate the public on preventive measures, he urged residents to stay alert, adding that the bureau would beef up its surveillance over insect abatement devices and update the public on the prevention of the disease.

Tam Vai Man, deputy president of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau said that the bureau will begin to spray pesticide in parks, graveyards and other public facilities in April.

The bureau carried out 822 inspections of empty houses and sites, and removed more than 4,000 tons of trash in the epidemic prevention last year.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2004)