***********************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (July 23) that the monthly average ovitrap index for June fell to 11.8 per cent from 12.4 per cent in May.
"Although the index came down slightly, the public should continue to step up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the present rainy season is conducive to mosquito breeding," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
The Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) was positive in all 44 areas surveyed last month. Among them, six districts exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. They were Kowloon City North (29.4 per cent), Tung Chung (26.5 per cent), Tuen Mun South (22.6 per cent), Lek Yuen (21.8 per cent), Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho (21.2 per cent) and Tseung Kwan O (20.7 per cent).
An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in these six areas, the spokesman said.
In addition to the regular weekly programme, he said, the FEHD would clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in public places and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate. It would also handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The government departments concerned have also stepped up inspections and measures to enhance environmental hygiene in areas within their ambits. The aim is to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds.
"Furthermore, relevant departments have individually notified the groups that had voluntarily subscribed to the ovitrap rapid alert system when the AOI reached the alert level.
"Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the commonly used parts of their premises to urge occupants and staff to take mosquito prevention and control measures promptly," the spokesman said.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for June remained at 0.7 per cent as 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 an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
They should also keep drains free of blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent puddles from 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, the spokesman said.
"After rainfall, they should immediately remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards," he added.
Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the summer holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when a room is not air-conditioned.
Travellers returning 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 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/Monday, July 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
