Briefs | Shenzhen: Customs record imported case of Zika virus

Shenzhen customs has detected a case of imported Zika virus in a man returning from abroad, local health authorities said Tuesday. The patient, 33, has been put under quarantine and is in stable condition, according to the provincial health commission. Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can cause symptoms including fever, rashes and arthralgia, and in rare cases it can be lethal. It has also been linked to brain abnormalities in unborn babies and the paralyzing Guillain-Barre syndrome. The General Administration of Customs has urged people to protect themselves from Zika when traveling abroad and called for voluntary reports if travelers begin experiencing typical symptoms of the virus. With the new case, China has reported a total of 30 cases of imported Zika virus since 2016.

Hong Kong: Education bureau mulls punishing 30 teachers for misconduct

The Education Bureau (EDB) in Hong Kong has mulled punishing teachers for professional misconduct related to social unrest. An EDB spokesperson said violations of teacher’s code of conduct were found in 30 of 106 investigations the EDB carried out since June this year. As important role models for students, teachers’ words and deeds must conform to the community’s moral and professional expectations, the spokesperson said. The EDB’s move came amid rising concerns about teachers’ role in prolonged social unrest and even violent incidents in recent months. About 40 percent of 6,022 people arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly, participation in riot and possession of offensive weapons since June were students, the police have said. The EDB has asked for the suspension of a teacher arrested on Monday, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added the EDB will follow up every case related to teachers, who, if convicted, may face cancellation of their registration.

Foshan: Mountain fire now under control in Guangdong

A fire that broke out in a mountainous area in south China’s Guangdong Province has been brought under control, with no casualties reported, said the provincial emergency management office. The fire started on a mountain in Gaoming District, Foshan, on Thursday afternoon last week. A total of 1,069 locals near the fire site were evacuated to safe areas. By Friday night, 22 rescue teams involving 2,423 people and helicopters had been dispatched to battle the fire. Firefighters blamed the blaze on both the dry weather in Guangdong since September and strong winds in particular last week.