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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to maintain their efforts in maintaining proper anti-mosquito measures and remain alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
A department spokesman said today (October 18) that the monthly average ovitrap index for September had dropped to 8.7%, from 11.3% in August.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
ˇ§Although the indices in September are lower than those in August, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places,ˇ¨the spokesman said.
ˇ§We should stay alert to mosquito-transmitted diseases at all times. With occasional rains, any lapse in mosquito control could contribute to a rise in the indices.ˇ¨
Of the 38 areas surveyed last month, 37 recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.8% to 27.5%. The index for port areas, however, had risen from 1.3% in August to 1.6% in September.
The spokesman said three areas had their readings fall into the alert zone of 20% to 40%. They are Diamond Hill (27.5%), Yuen Kong (24%) and Cheung Sha Wan (23.2%).
ˇ§The inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in these districts. Government departments concerned have strengthened inspections and stepped up efforts to enhance environmental hygiene conditions and eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds in addition to the regular weekly programme,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
ˇ§The department will also closely monitor the situations of the areas that have not entered the alert zone.ˇ¨
Aedes albopictus could breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and tyres all provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they were not properly handled, he said.
The spokesman said people should step up inspection of their home and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds; scrub vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week; properly dispose of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes; clear drains and surface channels to prevent blockage; fill up all defective ground surfaces and drill large holes in unused tyres.
He urged estate management bodies to keep drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures under Anti-mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme are available on the department's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and through its hotline at 2868 0000.
People can also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever from the website (www.chp.gov.hk) of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, October 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:25
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