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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (October 20) that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for September dropped to 5.1 per cent from 7.3 per cent in August.
"Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF). Although the ovitrap index in September has decreased, it is still higher than the 3.9 per cent recorded in the same period last year. Moreover, DF has remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas. Therefore, despite the cooler weather, the community must remain vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito control measures to prevent local transmission of DF," an FEHD spokesman said.
"The FEHD, together with other government departments, will continue to sustain the anti-mosquito work throughout winter so as to enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control measures. To step up monitoring of the prevalence of Aedes albopictus in Hong Kong, starting from this month, the number of surveyed areas where oviposition traps are placed by the FEHD has increased from 44 to 52. The eight newly added areas are Tin Hau, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kai Tak North, Lok Fu West, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon Bay, Tseung Kwan O North and Tsing Yi North," he said.
The spokesman said that among the 44 surveyed areas for Aedes albopictus in September, only the index of Tai Po (26.9 per cent) exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in the area. In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in the public places in the area 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 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 area ovitrap index reached the alert level of 20 per cent. Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the common 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 September dropped to 1.3 per cent from 2.2 per cent in August.
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.
From this month, oviposition traps are set in 52 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 52 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, October 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01
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