Life of Guangzhou - Dengue Fever Leads to Mosquito Campaign

Guangzhou reported its first case of Dengue Fever this year on Friday (June 30), with authorities promising a large-scale campaign against mosquitoes to control the disease. Dai Tian, director of the Guangzhou Patriotic Public Health Campaign Committee, said yesterday, "The key to control and prevent the disease is to eliminate mosquitoes." According to Dai, mosquitoes bred faster than usual last month due to continuous wet weather conditions. The committee tested flowerpots in some large gardens in Guangzhou's downtown area last month, finding the amount of mosquito larvae almost 7 times higher than safe levels in some cases. A campaign by the government to kill mosquitoes was launched in May, with more than 220,000 people involved. It is due to be completed by July 20. The campaign involved distribution of more than 289,000 boxes of mosquito incense coils and 11.6 tons of pesticide. Workers cleaned streets, irrigation canals and ditches in the city. However, a new attack is already planned. Dai promised, "The upcoming campaign will be greater." Dengue fever has become a major international public health concern in recent years and no vaccine is available. Experts warn that people who catch the fever must go to see doctors in the summer.