***********************************************************
The Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC) held a meeting today (April 23) to review the effectiveness of existing anti-mosquito measures and dengue vector surveillance work.
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mrs Marion Lai, the AMSC comprises representatives of a number of policy bureaux and departments.
During the meeting, the Chairperson pointed out that the Monthly Ovitrap Indices throughout 2011 were lower than the average indices of the past years (from 2000 to 2010). She expressed her gratitude to the policy bureaux and departments for their continuous efforts on mosquito prevention.
Representatives of policy bureaux and departments briefed the meeting on their anti-mosquito work and strategies this year. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been strengthening dengue vector surveillance. Starting from January last year, the department has expanded the scope of the dengue vector surveillance programme in the community to cover six more areas (Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho; Hung Hom; Sheung Kwai Chung; So Kwun Wat and Sai Kung Town), which are densely populated or frequently visited, or where local dengue fever cases have occurred in the past. As a result of this extension, a total of 44 areas are currently covered under the surveillance programme.
To ensure anti-mosquito measures are taken promptly when the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) of a particular area reaches the alert level of 20 per cent, FEHD introduced an ovitrap rapid alert system targeting at the management offices of residential premises, social welfare facilities and schools that are situated within the surveillance areas since April last year. Under the system, when the AOI of an area is confirmed to have reached 20 per cent or above, subscribers to the system whose premises are situated within the surveillance area concerned will be notified immediately to take necessary mosquito preventive and control measures. The implementation of the system is generally smooth.
In addition, FEHD will continue to eliminate 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. Furthermore, in the coming summer months, FEHD will strengthen liaison with construction sites and private estate management companies regarding mosquito prevention work.
Other departments have also continued to intensify their mosquito preventive and control work, as well as strengthening publicity and education campaigns. Targeting commercial and individual activities that might easily come into contact with mosquitoes such as livestock farms, fish farms and recreational sites in country parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has asked the relevant management staff to enhance mosquito prevention work and promotion activities. The AFCD has also written to farmers urging them to take anti-mosquito measures.
The Department of Health has strengthened its publicity campaign to remind those who travel outside Hong Kong to take precautionary measures.
The Housing Department will step up publicity through posters, notices, leaflets and estate newsletters.
The Development Bureau has reminded site staff of public works sites to ensure effective anti-mosquito measures are undertaken.
The Lands Department will continue to conduct grass cutting on government land sites under its control and clear identified hillside illegal cultivation black spots to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. It will also send letters to request short-term tenants to prevent and control mosquito breeding.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will carry out mosquito control operations at its venues and step up inspection.
The Education Bureau will jointly organise with the FEHD a seminar on dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis vectors for school personnel in May. Schools are reminded again to keep the school and the surrounding environment clean.
The District Offices will assist with the publicity for mosquito prevention and control, including distributing anti-mosquito promotional leaflets and items, as well as facilitating health talks.
The Government Property Agency will continue to remind its property management agents to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures at properties under its purview.
Mrs Lai encouraged members of the AMSC to step up their efforts to mobilise and organise more community participation in mosquito prevention. "We need to stay vigilant throughout the summer months, especially when the weather becomes warmer and damper, providing more favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. Only when all relevant departments, related parties, district organisations and members of the public play their part and work in close partnership can we deal with the mosquito problem effectively to minimise the threat of dengue fever and other mosquito-transmitted diseases," she said.
Ends/Monday, April 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:17
NNNN
