Public co-operation is essential in the anti-mosquito fight, Centre for Health Protection consultant Dr Thomas Tsang says, adding that the next few weeks will be crucial in containing the problem.

Speaking on a radio talkshow today, Dr Tsang said the rainy and wet climate in our summer provided favourable 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 reports had been received, of them only one was confirmed to be Japanese encephalitis.

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

He said travellers 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.