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Despite the ovitrap index recording of zero last month, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 24) reminded the public to keep up effective measures against mosquito breeding as mosquito eggs will start to hatch when the weather turns warm and humid.
"The monthly average ovitrap index for January this year dropped to 0 per cent, from 0.1 per cent in December last year. As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index again stayed at zero as in December last year," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
"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.
To heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, the first phase of an Anti-mosquito Campaign, which will last for four weeks, was launched today.
During the three-phase campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts throughout the city.
"After the Lunar New Year, people should properly handle or dispose of flowers or tangerines to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water in containers that mosquitoes can breed in.
"They should also inspect their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, properly dispose of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drill large holes in unused tyres," the spokesman said.
He also 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.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures under the Anti-mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme are available on the department website: www.fehd.gov.hk .
Ends/Monday, February 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:02
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