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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2014 today (April 28) to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JE), and foster partnerships between government departments and the community in anti-mosquito work.
"The second phase of the anti-mosquito campaign will last for 10 consecutive weeks starting from today until July 4 in order to sustain anti-mosquito efforts. During the campaign period, the FEHD, in collaboration with relevant government departments and public bodies, will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts throughout the city," a spokesman for the FEHD said.
The spokesman pointed out that to monitor the vectors of JE, the FEHD commenced JE vector surveillance in September 2013 to collect data to assist the department in formulating the anti-mosquito strategy.
"We will continue to conduct JE vector surveillance in Yuen Long during the rainy season between April and October this year. During September and October last year, the FEHD collected a total of 221 samples of Culex tritaeniorhynchus for testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Department of Health. Results showed that none of the samples carried the JE virus," he said.
"The FEHD also continues to conduct dengue vector surveillance in the community covering areas where local dengue fever cases occurred in the past, and densely populated areas, such as schools, housing estates and hospitals, so as to monitor the prevalence of Aedes albopictus and implement appropriate mosquito control measures. As a measure to further strengthen the dengue vector surveillance, the FEHD introduced a quick test on dengue virus in 2014 with a view to facilitating prompt and efficient implementation of appropriate anti-mosquito measures," the spokesman added.
During the second phase of the anti-mosquito campaign, the FEHD will carry out a series of operations focusing on removal of accumulated water and mosquito prevention at all potential mosquito breeding places. Special attention will be paid to areas in close proximity to residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates and hospitals. FEHD staff will also offer knowledge and technical advice on the prevention of mosquito breeding to the public.
The campaign slogan, "Prevent Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue Fever, Act Now", and anti-mosquito messages will be publicised through radio and TV APIs, community health talks and a thematic exhibition at the Health Education Exhibition and Resources Centre at Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui.
The first phase of the anti-mosquito campaign was held between February 24 and March 21. During the period, 29 331 mosquito breeding sites and potential breeding sites were eliminated, and some 35 800 posters and leaflets distributed and one warning letter issued.
The third phase of the campaign will be conducted between August 18 and October 10. Information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, April 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:35
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