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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 23) reminded the public to step up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, especially as the current hot and humid weather with frequent showers is favourable to mosquito breeding.
"The monthly average ovitrap index for May rose to 9.7%, from 0.4% in April," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in six districts that recorded the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) above the alert level of 20%. The six districts are Sheung Kwai Chung (29.1%); Sai Kung Town (28.6%); Sham Shui Po East (27.8%); Kwun Tong Central (27.8%); So Kwun Wat (25.9%) and Tseung Kwan O (25%).
"To ensure that anti-mosquito measures are taken promptly when the AOI of a particular area reaches the alert level of 20%, the FEHD introduced an ovitrap rapid alert system in April this year," the spokesman said.
The alert system's target groups include the management offices of residential premises, social welfare facilities and schools that are situated within the surveillance areas.
"Whenever the AOI reaches the alert level, those groups which have voluntarily subscribed to the system and their premises within the surveillance area concerned will be individually notified by the relevant departments upon the publication of the AOI.
"Subscribers will be invited to post up specially designed alert notices (see Annex) in commonly used parts of their premises to draw the attention of occupants and staff to take mosquito preventive and control measures promptly."
In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in public places and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate, handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The spokesman added, "The departments concerned have stepped up inspection and measures to enhance environmental hygiene conditions in areas within their ambits. The aim is to eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds.
"The FEHD will also closely monitor the situation in other areas, and strengthen control measures."
As for port areas, the average ovitrap index also rose from 0.1% in April to 1.1% in May.
Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies. The spokesman advised the public and estate management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers, and to 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 up all depressions to prevent puddles forming.
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; and drill large holes in unused tyres.
"After rain, they should immediately remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards," 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/Thursday, June 23, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:07
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