Developing a spatial model of dengue fever-related vulnerability and risk detection in Hong Kong from a socioeconomic and environmental perspective (HMRF_No.20190672)
Project Background
Dengue fever (DF), a viral infection transmitted between humans by Aedes mosquitoes, is one of the most serious infectious diseases, bringing a huge health burden globally with about half of the world’s population at risk and an estimated 390 million infections annually. Without specific treatment being given, the likelihood of fatality is higher with a secondary infection of different serotypes resulting in more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
Conducting a scientific study to develop a spatial model of Hong Kong’s DF risk is thus both important and necessary. Potential hotspots and socioeconomic and environmental determinants of DF risk could be detected for better impact assessment as well as policy-making for DF prevention and management including, for example, timely alerts to potential high-risk areas and targeted health education. The proposed cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration will contribute to improving the understanding of the vulnerability and risks of DF in Hong Kong and will provide a useful scientific basis for future enhancement of DF-related information services, safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens.