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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (June 23) that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for May rose to 7.7 per cent from 2 per cent in April, indicating that infestation of the mosquito was slightly more extensive in the area surveyed.
"Although May's monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus, a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF), is lower than the 12 per cent recorded in the same period last year, in view of the confirmation of the first local DF case earlier this month and the fact that DF remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, and that the summer weather is favourable for mosquito breeding and activity, the community must remain vigilant and keep up anti-mosquito work, or else the risk of local transmission of DF will rapidly increase," an FEHD spokesman said.
Among the 44 surveyed areas for Aedes albopictus last month, the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in three areas reached or exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. They were Lam Tin (33.3 per cent), Kwun Tong Central (25.4 per cent) and Cheung Sha Wan (22.6 per cent).
The spokesman said an inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in those areas. In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in the public places in those areas and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate. It will also handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The government departments concerned have also stepped up inspections and measures to enhance environmental hygiene in areas within their ambits. The aim is to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds.
"Furthermore, relevant departments have individually notified the groups that had voluntarily subscribed to the ovitrap rapid alert system when the AOI reached the alert level. Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the commonly used parts of their premises to urge occupants and staff to take mosquito prevention and control measures promptly," the spokesman said.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for May also rose to two per cent from 0.3 per cent in April.
"Acting on the first local case of DF which came to light in early June this year, the FEHD has strengthened the mosquito preventive and control work in areas within 500 metres from the residence of the patient, his workplace and places he visited during the incubation period. The FEHD has also collected samples of Aedes albopictus from the relevant areas for laboratory testing to ascertain whether they carry any virus, with a view to eliminating the risk of DF infection at source. The FEHD also convened meetings with the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to discuss measures to strengthen mosquito prevention and control at the district level.
"In gearing up for the upcoming rainy season, the territory-wide intensive mosquito preventive and control exercises carried out by the relevant government departments since early May will be extended to early July. Through the joint operations, actions are being taken to kill adult mosquitoes, remove stagnant water and weeds to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, as well as stepping up publicity on mosquito prevention and control. With the intensive mosquito prevention and control exercise, we hope that mosquitoes of at least a whole generation, including those infected with DF virus, will be eliminated."
The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires sustained efforts on the part of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to take effective mosquito control measures.
As Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, the spokesman advised the public and estate management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers 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.
He also reminded the public to 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.
Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.
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, June 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01
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