Public cooperation is essential in the anti-mosquito fight and the next few weeks will be crucial in containing the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis, said a health expert in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Speaking on a radio talk show, consultant of the Center for Health Protection Thomas Tsang said the rainy and wet climate in summer in Hong Kong provided favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, and the community must stay alert to keep the environment clean.

He said the government is considering inoculating pigs to help hinder transmission of the virus to humans, but the best control measure is elimination of mosquito breeding areas.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare disease in Hong Kong with usually two or less cases reported each year. Last year, about 200 viral encephalitis cases were reported and only one was confirmed to be Japanese encephalitis.

Tsang said inoculations for people are not yet worthwhile as the chances of side effects are high.

He said travelers who planned to stay in endemic areas in Asia and the Western Pacific Region, particularly in rural areas, are advised to consult doctors the need for vaccination before departing.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2004)