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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (November 25) that the monthly average ovitrap index for October dropped to 2.4 per cent from 5.9 per cent in September.
"The public should keep up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, despite the recent colder and drier 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, positive ovitrap indices were recorded in 21 areas, ranging from 1.8 per cent to 12.7 per cent, with the highest in Mong Kok.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for October dropped to 0.3 per cent from 1.3 per cent in September.
"Despite the relatively lower index levels recorded in October, 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.
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, November 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:00
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