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Public urged to maintain anti-mosquito efforts
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     Despite the ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus recording of zero last month, indicating that the infestation of Aedes albopictus in the areas surveyed stayed at a low level and the infestation of the vector is not extensive, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 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.

     "Both the monthly territory-wide and port ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus, a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF), for February remained at zero as in January," an FEHD spokesman said.

     "Despite the zero index for Aedes albopictus recorded in February, in view of the confirmation of three local DF cases late last year and the fact that there are still DF cases in neighbouring areas, and that the weather, being warmer and damper, provides more favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, the community must remain vigilant. The Government and the public must work together in conducting anti-mosquito work. Relevant departments will continue to intensify their mosquito preventive and control work, as well as strengthen publicity and education campaigns."

     Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies. The spokesman 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 also 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 said.

     Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the Easter holidays:

* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellent over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when a room is not air-conditioned.

     Travellers returning from these places should seek medical advice if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.

     The ovitrap index is divided into four levels, reflecting the infestation level of Aedes albopictus. Level 1 (< 5 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is not extensive in the area surveyed. Level 2 (5 per cent - < 20 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is slightly more extensive in the area surveyed. Level 3 (20 per cent - < 40 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito exceeds one-fifth of the area surveyed. Level 4 (>/= 40 per cent) indicates that almost half of the surveyed area is infested with the mosquito. The Government will step up the scale of anti-mosquito operations according to the level of infestation as well as reports from front-line staff and the public.

     Oviposition traps are set in 44 areas in Hong Kong for monitoring the breeding of Aedes albopictus, which is only one of the mosquito species commonly found in Hong Kong and is active only in the daytime. The index does not capture the activities of Aedes albopictus outside the 44 areas and it also does not measure the prevalence of other kinds of mosquitoes.

     The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01

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