The southern metropolis Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong Province, reported its first case of Dengue Fever this year on Friday, with authorities promising a large-scale campaign against mosquitoes to control the disease.

"The key to control and prevent the disease is to eliminate mosquitoes," Dai Tian, director of Guangzhou Patriotic Public Health Campaign Committee, told China Daily yesterday.

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.

"The upcoming campaign will be greater," Dai promised.

Dengue fever has become a major international public health concern in recent years and no vaccine is available.

Experts warn that people who have fever must go to see doctors in the summer.

(China Daily July 5, 2006)