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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (December 21) that the monthly territory-wide ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus dropped from 3.3 per cent in October to 0.9 per cent in November, indicating that the infestation of Aedes albopictus in the areas surveyed is not extensive.
"Among the 52 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices were recorded in 14 areas, ranging from 1.6 per cent to 9.1 per cent, with the highest in Tin Hau. As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for November also fell to 0.3 per cent from 0.4 per cent in October," an FEHD spokesman said.
"Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF). Despite a further drop in the index levels for Aedes albopictus recorded in November, in view of the confirmation earlier this month of the second DF local case this year and the fact that DF has remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, and that a warmer winter this year 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," he said.
"The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue to intensify their mosquito preventive and control work, as well as strengthen publicity and education campaigns. The FEHD, together with other government departments, launched a city-wide thematic mosquito prevention and control special operation on October 19 which will last till January 14, 2016. Mosquito control work will also be enhanced during the year-end clean-up operation, which is due to commence immediately afterwards on January 15, 2016. The district offices of the FEHD will target areas which have drawn particular concern, such as single-block buildings, village houses, construction sites and cargo/container terminals and handling areas at port areas, and intensify mosquito prevention and control work at those places," he added.
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 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.
Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the Christmas and New Year 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 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, December 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:31
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