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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (April 25) that the monthly average ovitrap index for March remained the same as February's at 0.1 per cent.
"The public should keep up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as mosquito eggs hatch easily in warm and humid weather," 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, only So Kwun Wat recorded a positive ovitrap index at 1.8 per cent.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for March stayed at zero as in February.
"Although the latest index level remains low, the departments concerned will continue their efforts to maintain environmental hygiene in areas under their ambit to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds," the spokesman said.
To heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, the second phase of the territory-wide anti-mosquito campaign, lasting 10 weeks, will be launched next Monday (April 29) and run until July 5.
During the campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts in various districts.
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, he added.
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/Thursday, April 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:01
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