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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (September 26) that the monthly average ovitrap index for August dropped to 6.6 per cent from 7.2 per cent in July.
"The public should stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and step up anti-mosquito measures as the current rainy weather is favourable to mosquito breeding," 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 41 areas, ranging from 1.7 per cent to 17.2 per cent, with the highest in Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for August stayed at 0.9 per cent as in July.
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. After rainfall, water should be immediately removed from balconies, rooftops and courtyards.
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 said.
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, September 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:01
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