A dengue fever epidemic is not likely to break out in Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province, according to the local epidemic prevention and control center.

But the center also warned citizens of improving their awareness of killing mosquitoes.

Dengue fever, whose main symptoms are high fever and headache, is a disease transmitted by aedes mosquitoes.

The center launched a thorough investigation of the sanitary conditions of 943 families in nine residential compounds and found that the density of mosquito larvae in 78 percent of the investigated area was controlled within a safe range.

But the center admitted that in three outdated residential compounds, the mosquito density index was comparatively high at above 20. According to experts, when the density index is above 20, there is the possibility of the rapid spread of dengue fever if one person becomes infected.

During the investigation, staff in the center also found that some families have the habit of cultivating aquatic plants, which, if not cared for properly, could create a good environment for the development of mosquito larvae.

There is no record of a dengue fever outbreak in Shenzhen's history, according to the center. In 2002, six dengue fever cases were reported in the city. Up to now this year, only one patient has been found and recovered.

Now the local health departments have decided to set up at least one monitoring station in each residential compound to help eliminate aedes mosquito breeding grounds regularly.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2003)