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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (July 19) that the monthly average ovitrap index for June rose to 14 per cent from 11.3 per cent in May.
"The public should remove stagnant water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards after rain, step up measures against mosquito breeding and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases after heavy rain during the rainy season," 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, all recorded positive ovitrap indices but Ma Wan. The indices ranged from 2 per cent to 30.5 per cent.
The Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in 11 areas exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent, with the highest in Tseung Kwan O (30.5 per cent), Kwun Tong Central (28.6 per cent), and Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho (25.4 per cent).
An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in those areas, the spokesman said.
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, he said. It will 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 Area Ovitrap Index 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 also rose to 1.9 per cent from 1.1 per cent in May.
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.
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 website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:01
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