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In view of the prevailing humid and hot weather, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) strongly urged the public to remain vigilant to mosquito breeding and the spread of mosquito transmitted diseases like dengue fever, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) advised today (May 22).
Dengue fever, a viral disease commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, can be imported into Hong Kong through infected travellers.
Moreover, Aedes albopictus, which is a vector of the disease, is abundant in Hong Kong. Infected mosquitoes may transmit the disease.
"The World Health Organisation has warned that climate plays an important role in the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and affects the pattern of mosquito reproduction," said the spokesman.
"Higher temperature and rainfall will favour the growth of vector mosquitoes. The recent downpours call for public participation in our ongoing battle against mosquitoes.
"We need to keep up with our anti-mosquito efforts, which aim to curb the spread of dengue fever in Hong Kong."
The spokesman warned: "Any laxity may open the gate for dengue fever, which is extremely difficult to eliminate once it has established its foothold in a territory."
The first phase of the 2002 Anti-mosquito Campaign was launched between April 2 and 27 to arouse public awareness of the importance of mosquito prevention and control.
In the first four months of this year, over 9,770 mosquito breeding places were eliminated while 81 warning letters were issued and 99 summonses taken out against mosquito breeding.
"To guard against the breeding of mosquitoes and the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, the public should play their part by taking proper anti-mosquito measures," added the spokesman.
"The key to prevent mosquito breeding is to eliminate all stagnant water which provides a favourable breeding ground for mosquitoes.
"The public should keep their homes and surroundings clean."
Improper management of containers will create breeding places for Aedes albopictus which is a container breeder.
Therefore, small containers, disused tyres, discarded containers, saucers of potted plants and so on should be cleared.
The spokesman also advised the public to take the following precautionary measures to curb the breeding of mosquitoes:
* stop storing water along morning walk trails or Government land for planting and irrigation;
* cover all containers properly and remove all unnecessary water collection;
* change at least once a week the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The use of saucers should be avoided whenever possible;
* keep all drains free from choke;
* dispose of articles that contain water easily, such as empty lunch boxes, cans and tyres;
* top up all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water;
* make large holes on tyres which are used as anti-bumping device in car parks or garages or wrap tyres up with plastic cover to prevent water trapping;
* use mosquito screen to prevent the invasion of mosquitoes;
* use insect repellents or wear long-sleeved clothes to provide temporary protection from mosquito bites; and
* use mosquito coils or aerosols to kill mosquitoes if necessary.
He warned that any person found accumulating water containing larvae or pupae of mosquitoes on his premises would be liable for a maximum fine of $25,000 plus a daily fine of $450.
"Should there be any mosquito problems, the public may report to the FEHD's district environmental hygiene offices or through the department's hotline 2868 0000," he added.
End/Wednesday, May 22, 2002
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