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In view of the high Ovitrap Index recorded in April this year, the Inter-departmental Working Group on Pest Prevention and Control has decided to advance the launch date of the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2002 from July 15 to May 28, and to extend the campaign period from four weeks to six weeks.
Moreover, the public should be vigilant and take proper measures to curb mosquito breeding and the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases like dengue fever.
The Chairman of the Working Group, Dr Ho Yuk-yin, who is also the Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), made the above appeal at a press conference this (May 28) afternoon.
He said: "To monitor the change in the vectors' situation, we have been conducting an Ovitrap survey since 2000.
"We have found that the average Ovitrap Index in April this year (30.2 per cent) is much higher than that of last year (17.6 per cent), indicating that the number of Aedes albopictus, which will transmit dengue virus if infected, is abundant in Hong Kong."
There may be a number of factors contributing to the sudden upsurge of the population of Aedes albopictus.
"According to our Ovitrap surveys conducted in 2000 and 2001, seasonal variation plays a major part in the proliferation of Aedes albopictus," he elaborated.
For example, the Ovitrap Indices recorded in the first quarter of these years were lower than five per cent and reached the peak in summer.
The World Health Organisation has also warned that climate is a key factor in the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and affects the proliferation of mosquitoes.
"According to the Hong Kong Observatory," Dr Ho said, "March 2002 is the warmest month on record. The total rainfall in the month was 238.7 mm, which was over four times than that of March 2001.
"We believe the unusually high temperature and humidity in March this year facilitated the growth of vector mosquitoes," he added.
Apart from weather, there are also other factors conducive to mosquito breeding.
For example, stagnant water and improper management of containers provide favourable breeding grounds for Aedes albopictus, which is a container breeder.
In the first four months of this year, over 9,770 mosquito breeding places were eliminated.
"Although only three imported cases of dengue fever were reported in the first five months of this year, the public should spare no efforts in taking proper precautionary measures," Dr Ho appealed.
"The most effective control strategy in reducing mosquito population is to remove all stagnant water and keep homes and surroundings clean. Active participation of the public holds the key to its success."
As stipulated in the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), any person found accumulating water containing larvae or pupae of mosquitoes on his premises will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 plus a daily fine of $450.
Between January and April this year, 81 warning letters were issued and 99 summonses were taken out against mosquito breeding.
"Our past experience also revealed that water stored for irrigation for the purpose of illegal planting along morning walk trails and Government land gives chance to mosquito breeding.
"Therefore, people should stop the illegal practice," Dr Ho warned.
In addition to active community involvement, the Government will step up operations in eliminating mosquito breeding places and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases during the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign.
With the slogan "Let's remove stagnant water. Eliminate mosquitoes for healthy living", all members of the Working Group will take part in the campaign, including FEHD; Department of Health; District Councils, Housing Department; Highways Department; Education Department; Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Lands Department; Labour Department; Social Welfare Department; Home Affairs Department; Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Hospital Authority; Architectural Services Department and Environmental Protection Department.
Special attention will be given to areas favouring the harbourage of mosquitoes or in close proximity to human residence, including waterfront public and private cargo working areas, piers and ferry terminals, construction sites, housing estates and schools.
Publicity materials like banners and posters, pamphlets and videos as well as letters to target groups such as management of construction sites and housing estates have been distributed to disseminate the anti-mosquito message.
Roving exhibitions at major shopping malls of housing estates, outreaching health talks for schools, construction site management and workers are being conducted to drive home the message.
The FEHD's Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre is also staging a theme exhibition on ways to prevent mosquito breeding.
More information and advice on mosquito control can be found at the FEHD's web site: www.fehd.gov.hk or the hotline 2868 0000.
End/Tuesday, May 28, 2002
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