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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (May 20) that the monthly ovitrap index for April rose slightly to 1.8 per cent from zero in March.
"As mosquito eggs start to hatch in the rainy season, the public should step up measures against mosquito breeding and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases," 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 14 areas, ranging from 1.8 per cent to 18.3 per cent, with the highest in Tseung Kwan O.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for April also edged up to 0.3 per cent from zero in March.
"The departments concerned will continue their efforts to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds in areas under their ambit," the spokesman said.
He reminded the public and estate management bodies to remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards immediately after rain. All drains should be kept free of blockage and all depressions should be filled up to prevent puddles from forming. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers, and limewash them with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
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, the spokesman said.
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/Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:01
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