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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has urged the public to step up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the current rainy season is most favourable for mosquito breeding.
¡@¡@ An FEHD spokesman said today (July 17) that the monthly average ovitrap index for June had risen to 19% from 8.2% in May.
¡@¡@ The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
¡@¡@ Among the 38 areas surveyed last month, 37 of them recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 3.6% to 48.3%.
¡@¡@ The spokesman said readings in 12 areas were above the alert zone of 20% - Kwun Tong Central(48.3%), Tai Wai(38.5%), Ho Man Tin(38%), Wong Tai Sin Central(35%), Lai King(31.5%), Lam Tin and Fanling(30.9%), Cheung Chau (30.6%), Diamond Hill(28.3%), Ma On Shan(27.3%), Lek Yuen(25.5%) and Sai Wan(25%).
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¡@¡@ "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," the spokesman said.
¡@¡@ "The FEHD will also closely monitor the situations of other areas."
¡@¡@ As for port areas, the average ovitrap index also rose from 0.6% in May to 1.5% in June.
¡@¡@ Aedes albopictus can breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and abandoned tyres all provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they were not properly handled, the spokesman said.
He 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 drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
The spokesman said people should inspect their homes 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.
"After rain, they should remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards immediately," he said.
¡@¡@ Travellers are strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases during the summer holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the clothes near the exposed parts of the body such as collar and cuffs when going out; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
¡@¡@ Travellers coming back from these places should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform the doctor of their travel history.
¡@¡@ 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 the 1823 Call Centre.
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/Friday, July 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:03
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