*********************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has reminded people to stay alert to the potential hazards of mosquito-transmitted diseases despite the current cool weather.
A department spokesman said today (February 18) that the monthly average ovitrap index for January had dropped to 0%, from 0.1% in December.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
The index for port areas also stayed at 0% as in December.
"Although Aedes mosquitoes are rather inactive locally at the moment, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places," the spokesman said.
Aedes albopictus can breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and abandoned tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they are not properly handled, he said.
"People should pay particular attention to small containers such as vases, saucers and trays as well as damp surfaces in depressions," the spokesman said.
"They should change water for plants, including flowers and tangerines for the Lunar New Year if they are still being kept, at least once a week and leave no water in the saucers underneath the pots."
He also advised the public and estate management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers and limewash them with alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs. They should also keep the drains free from blockage and fill all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
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.
People can also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever from the website of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (www.chp.gov.hk) and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
