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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will conduct an ovitrap study in residential blocks to monitor mosquito breeding in individual families.
Commencing later this month, the pilot study will last for two months covering residential flats on different floors of high-rise buildings.
Announcing the study at a press briefing on the progress of Anti-mosquito Campaign 2003 today (June 12), the FEHD's Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication), Dr Ho Yuk-yin said the study was part of the Government's efforts in combating mosquito breeding during the second phase of the Campaign between May 26 and July 5.
"The findings of the study will be treated as a good reference for implementation of anti-mosquito measures inside homes," Dr Ho.
"About 75 residential buildings in both public and private housing estates from 18 districts have been selected for the study.
" Ovitraps will be set inside 864 randomly selected flats at ground, middle and top floors of these buildings for one week to detect the presence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission."
"The study will also provide early signal whether Aedes aegypti, the most important vector for the transmission of dengue fever worldwide that prefers to breed in indoor containers, has been introduced into Hong Kong.
"The findings will be made public later this year during the third phase of Anti-mosquito Campaign 2003."
On the progress of the campaign, Dr Ho said that the anti-mosquito measures were being implemented smoothly, with the participation of both the public and private sectors.
However, with the approach of the high-risk rainy season, Dr Ho said that there was no room for slackening in the prevention of dengue fever.
He appealed to the public to strictly observe environmental hygiene, especially during the current rainy season.
Dr Ho reminded the public of the importance of observing the campaign slogan in the second phase - "Eliminate stagnant water! Halt mosquito breeding". The main theme of the campaign is "Beware of Dengue Fever. Act Now".
He also revealed that both the monthly ovitrap index and area ovitrap indices were on the rise last month, following the seasonal pattern observed in the last three years.
The monthly ovitrap index in May this year was 17.1%, compared with 34.2% in the same month last year.
"Although the percentage for this year is substantially lower than that of last year, the area ovitrap indices at 15 locations over the territory this May were higher than 20 per cent.
"This should be taken as a warning signal for the entire community to guard against the threat of dengue fever," Dr Ho added.
"All of us should stay alert and follow the mosquito prevention measures recommended in the "Weekly Mosquito Inspection Programme" prepared by the FEHD.
"These measures include scrubbing vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week, disposal of containers such as soft drink cans or lunch boxes properly, clearing air conditioner drip trays regularly to ensure they are free of stagnant water and drilling large holes in tyres before discarding,"he said.
"The FEHD will spare no efforts in implementing its anti-mosquito measures, including stepped-up inspection and enforcement action," he stressed.
During the first five months of this year, the department treated 16,963 mosquito-breeding places, took out 111 prosecutions and issued 253 warnings.
Special anti-mosquito operations will be conducted in four major outlying islands, including Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Lamma Island and Tung Chung during the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign. Other government departments and members of District Councils will join forces with the FEHD to carry out anti-mosquito activities.
Meanwhile, anti-mosquito messages will continue to be put across the community through broadcast of radio and television announcements, display of posters and banners at prominent spots and distribution of pamphlets.
Promotional activities such as roving exhibitions, health talks and quiz games are being held at various districts with encouraging public response.
However, Dr Ho said that the Government could not do it alone when tackling the mosquito problem.
"We need the support of the whole community in sustaining the anti-mosquito efforts," he added.
Other departments and public organisations which also played an active role in implementing the campaign measures include the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; Architectural Services Department; Environmental Protection Department; Department of Health; Highways Department; Home Affairs Department; Housing Department; Labour Department; Lands Department; Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Marine Department; Social Welfare Department and Hospital Authority.
Ovitrap indices and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website www.fehd.gov.hk or the hotline 2868 0000.
End/Thursday, June 12, 2003
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