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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch the first phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2008 on Monday (February 25).
ˇ§The campaign aims to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis,ˇ¨ a department spokesman said today (February 22).
It also encourages community participation and forges close partnership of government departments concerned in anti-mosquito work.
ˇ§The seven Area Ovitrap Indices available so far for February were zero per cent,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
The monthly average ovitrap index was zero per cent last month.
ˇ§Although the low indices are encouraging, people should continue to take effective measures to eliminate mosquito eggs as they can hatch when the weather turns warm and wet,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
He advised people to take the following preventive measures: inspect homes and surroundings weekly 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; remove stagnant water; fill up all defective ground surfaces and wrap up disused tyres properly or puncture them to prevent water being trapped.
To guard against breeding of the Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the following measures should be taken, especially in the rural areas:
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps/ water gates and removing stagnant water regularly;
* Inspect water-cultivation areas and animal farms frequently;
* Eliminate stagnant water in surface channels; and
* Remove water in containers for animals after feeding and cover the containers properly after use.
The first phase of the campaign will be held from next Monday to March 20 for four weeks.
During the campaign period, relevant departments will strengthen control measures and publicity efforts throughout the territory.
These include the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Architectural Services Department; the Buildings Department; the Correctional Services Department; the Drainage Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the Government Logistics Department; the Highways Department; the Department of Health; the Home Affairs Department; the Housing Department; the Immigration Department; the Labour Department; the Lands Department; the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Marine Department; the Social Welfare Department; the Water Supplies Department; the Education Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website, www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, February 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:32
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