【明報專訊】A number of dengue fever (登革熱) cases have arisen in Hong Kong from more than one source of infection, including Lion Rock Park (獅子山公園) at Wong Tai Sin, which was closed for 30 days, and Cheung Chau. The public should remain vigilant and take effective measures against mosquitoes in the hot and rainy summer.

Dengue fever is transmitted to humans through the bites of Aedes albopictus (白紋伊蚊), a kind of mosquito. When a patient suffering from dengue fever is bitten by a vector mosquito (病媒蚊), the mosquito is infected and it may spread the disease by biting other people. The symptoms of infection include fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pains.

The government reminds the public to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed parts of the body and clothing. To prevent mosquito breeding, stagnant water (積水) in the saucers under potted plants and in the vase should be cleared every week.

(Sources: Ming Pao, Centre for Health Protection)

■English highway﹕Bitten

"Bitten" is the past participle of "bite". Its past tense is "bit".

e.g. The dog bit her and made her hand bleed.

Harry's finger was bitten by his little brother.

■Game

Aedes albopictus is characterised by its black and white striped legs. What is the number of this type of mosquito (including Eason) on this page?

■Quiz

Answer the following questions.

1. Find a word in the first paragraph that has a similar meaning to "careful".

______________________________________

2. Which of the following is/are measures to prevent mosquito bites?

(1) Using insect repellent containing DEET

(2) Wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes and trousers

(3) Clearing stagnant water

A. (1) and (2)

B. (2) and (3)

C. (1) and (3)

D. All of the above

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

infection (n) 傳染

joint (n) 關節

precautionary (adj) 預防的

breed (v) 繁殖

[Smarties' Power English 第221期]