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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 and humid weather are most favourable for mosquito breeding.
An FEHD spokesman said today (September 11) that the monthly average ovitrap index for August had risen to 13.7%, from 12.8% in July, while that for port areas dropped to 0.6% from 1% in July.
All the 38 areas surveyed last month recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 3.6% to 25.5%.
Readings in six areas were equal to or above the alert level of 20% - namely, Ma On Shan (25.5%), Wong Tai Sin Central (25.4%), Tung Chung (25%), Kwun Tong Central (24.1%), Tuen Mun North (23.7%) and Fanling (20%).
"The inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in these districts. Government departments concerned have strengthened inspections and 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 situation in other areas."
The spokesman said Aedes albopictus could breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, sand traps, discarded containers and abandoned tyres all provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they were not properly handled.
He advised the public and estate management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers and limewash them with alkaine 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.
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 added.
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).
Ends/Friday, September 11, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:35
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