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ˇ@ˇ@The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department reminds people to stay alert to the potential hazards of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
ˇ@ˇ@A department spokesman said today (November 16) that the monthly average ovitrap index for October had dropped to 4.5%, from 8.7% in September.
ˇ@ˇ@The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
ˇ@ˇ@Of the 38 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.9% to 12.7%, were recorded in 32 areas, with the highest being reported in Tai Po.
ˇ@ˇ@The index for port areas also dropped from 1.6% in September to 0.3% in October.
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§Although the indices in October are lower than those in September, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
ˇ@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, the spokesman said.
ˇ@ˇ@The spokesman said people should inspect 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.
ˇ@ˇ@He urged estate management bodies to keep drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
ˇ@ˇ@The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures under the Anti-Mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme are available on the department's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and through its hotline at 2868 0000.
ˇ@ˇ@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/Friday, November 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:17
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