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To reduce the risk of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and transmission of other mosquito-borne diseases through a multi-pronged approach, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) staff are continuing to conduct JE vector surveillance and anti-mosquito measures in Tuen Mun, and will launch a new round of the campaign to heighten public awareness of the importance of anti-mosquito work.
A spokesman for the FEHD said today (August 12), "In response to a report of a JE case in Tuen Mun last Wednesday (August 6), the FEHD has been conducting JE vector surveys in the district to collect specimens of Culex tritaeniorhynchus for JE virus testing by the Department of Health.
"The FEHD has also stepped up anti-mosquito work in the vicinity of the patient's residence in Tuen Mun, including larviciding, fogging and eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds in public places, as well as enhancing liaison with private construction sites, estate management companies and schools nearby to urge them to strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures."
Meanwhile, the FEHD is continuing with the JE vector surveillance programme in Yuen Long, where JE cases were reported earlier, and will review the department's anti-mosquito strategy based on the data gathered.
Anti-mosquito efforts are equally active in all other districts with mosquito control measures being conducted regularly on a weekly basis.
Apart from the sustained efforts on mosquito prevention and control work by relevant government departments in areas within their ambits, the mosquito problem can only be dealt with effectively when related parties, district organisations and members of the public work together in close partnership.
The spokesman said, "The third phase of this year's anti-mosquito campaign will be launched next Monday (August 18) and will last until October 10. The slogan of the campaign is 'Prevent Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue Fever, Act Now'. During the eight-week 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 Hong Kong. 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.
Anti-mosquito messages will be publicised through radio and TV Announcements in the Public Interest, community health talks and a thematic exhibition at the Health Education Exhibition and Resources Centre at Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui."
During the first and second phases of the anti-mosquito campaign period, more than 108 000 mosquito breeding sites and potential breeding sites were eliminated, and some 110 000 posters and leaflets were distributed and about 50 warning letters issued.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:38
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