************************************************
Primary and secondary school students have their awareness of mosquito prevention and control strengthened through active participation in competitions recently organised by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).
Some 11,000 entries were received for the Photo-taking, Colouring, and Poster Design Competitions bearing the theme "Let's remove stagnant water - Eliminate mosquitoes for a healthy living".
Gold awards went to Tang Kim-kui of Kowloon Technical School; Lee Pei-yu of Sha Tin Government Primary School (AM Section); and Chan Lim-bob of Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School for the competitions of Photo-taking; Poster Design; and Colouring respectively.
Winning entries were selected on the creativity, artistry and aesthetic sense.
Joining the Chairman of the Legislative Council's Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene, the Hon Fred Li Wah-ming to officiate at the prize presentation today (July 5), the Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Dr Mak Sin-ping, said that the competitions received a very good response and the entries were of high quality depicting participants' sound knowledge in mosquito prevention.
Dr Mak said: "Dengue fever is a viral disease commonly found in our neighboring regions and Hong Kong's hot and humid weather favours the growth of Aedes albopictus, a vector of the disease.
"Though all cases of dengue fever reported so far are imported ones, we need to remain vigilant and spare no efforts in guarding against the breeding of mosquitoes.
"Any laxity may open the gate for dengue fever,"she added.
The competitions are part of a series of activities for the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2002, the second phase of which was launched between May 28 and July 6.
During the campaign period, in addition to strengthened operations by various government departments, other educational and promotional activities including talks for students and construction site staff, roving exhibitions at major shopping malls of housing estates were held to drive home the anti-mosquito message.
To prevent mosquito breeding, the key is to eliminate all stagnant water and keep our homes and surroundings clean.
The public can also report any mosquito problems to the FEHD's district environmental hygiene offices or call the department's hotline 2868 0000.
End/Friday, July 5, 2002
NNNN
