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Hong Kong, with a climate favourable to the proliferation of mosquitoes, is keeping high vigilance against the constant threat of dengue fever.

To add an impetus to Government's anti-mosquito drive, members of the public are called upon to play their part by taking appropriate measures to guard against mosquito breeding as well as the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

The Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, said today (September 20) that keeping homes and surroundings clean was the most effective way to eradicate mosquito breeding and threat.

Dengue fever, a viral disease commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, may be transmitted by Aedes albopictus, a container breeder which is abundant in Hong Kong.

To enhance anti-mosquito efforts, the FEHD will be launching the third phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2002 between September 23 and October 12 this year to appeal to the public to attach importance to the issue.

During the first seven months of 2002, the department eliminated more than 27 900 mosquito breeding places, issued 934 warnings and lodged 190 prosecutions against mosquito breeding.

Dr Ho said: "Although the Ovitrap Indices dropped from 35.6 per cent in June to 29.5 in July and 26.7 in August, we should not be complacent.

Any laxity may open the gate for dengue fever. Dengue fever is extremely difficult to eliminate once it has established its foothold in Hong Kong," he cautioned.

Active public participation will complement Government's cleansing operations and is crucial to uphold Hong Kong free from dengue fever threat.

Dr Ho said the public could easily fulfill their obligations by taking simple and easy-to-follow anti-mosquito measures.

The public should remove breeding grounds for mosquitoes like improperly disposed soft drink cans, lunch boxes and disused containers at once.

They should not store water along morning walk trails or Government land for irrigation.

To drive home the message, three specially-designed posters reminding the public to clear stagnant water and dispose of refuse properly have been prepared for distribution.

During the campaign period, a theme exhibition featuring winning entries of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2002- Photo-taking, Colouring and Poster Design Competition will also be staged at FEHD's Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.

In addition, information and advice on mosquito control, including two Chinese songs composed and written for children, have also been uploaded at FEHD web site: www.fehd.gov.hk.

End/Friday, September 20, 2002

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