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August's monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus rises
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     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (September 21) that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for August rose to 7.3 per cent from 6 per cent in July, indicating that infestation of the mosquito was still slightly more extensive in the areas surveyed.

     "Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF). The rising ovitrap index in August, which is also higher than the 6.3 per cent recorded in the same period last year, should not be taken lightly. Moreover, as DF has remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas and the rainy weather is favourable for mosquito breeding, the community must remain vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito control measures to prevent local transmission of DF," an FEHD spokesman said.
     
     Among the 44 areas surveyed in August, the indices of areas recording positive indices ranged from 1.8 per cent to 17.9 per cent, with the highest in Yuen Chau Kok.

     As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for August also slightly rose to 2.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent in July.¡@

     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 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.

     The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires sustained efforts of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to take effective mosquito control measures.

     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/Monday, September 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01

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