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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (January 21) that the monthly average ovitrap index for December 2012 dropped to 0.3 per cent from 0.8 per cent in November.
"The public can carry out anti-mosquito measures to minimise the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases during the year-end clean-up before the Lunar New Year," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Among the 44 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices were recorded in seven areas, ranging from 1.7 per cent to 5.6 per cent, with the highest in Tung Chung.
Starting from January this year, the area Lek Yuen in the New Territories has been renamed as Yuen Chau Kok in order to indicate more precisely the locations under surveillance. The size of the surveillance area remains unchanged.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for December slightly rose to 0.1 per cent from zero in November.
"Although the latest index level is low, the departments concerned will continue their efforts to maintain environmental hygiene conditions in areas under their ambit to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds," the spokesman said.
He 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, he added.
Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the Lunar New Year 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 website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, January 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:01
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