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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)has reminded people to maintain anti-mosquito measures despite a significant drop of the ovitrap index readings in November, and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
An FEHD spokesman said today (December 15) that the monthly average ovitrap index for November had dropped to 1.6%, from 5.7% in October, and that for port areas dropped to 0% from 0.1% in October.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.7% (Tuen Mun North) to 12.3% (Tsim Sha Tsui), were recorded in 15 areas, out of a total of 38 areas surveyed last month.
"Despite the relatively lower index levels recorded, preventive measures should not be relaxed as there are still reported dengue cases in neighbouring places," the spokesman said.
Travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases during Christmas and New Year holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body 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 if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.
The spokesman also reminded the public of the need to carry out anti-mosquito measures, including inspecting homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, scrubbing vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, clearing drains and surface channels to prevent blockage, filling up defective ground surfaces and drilling large holes in unused tyres.
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/Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01
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