***********************************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has appealed to the public to stay alert to the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and step up precautionary measures.
The plea was made by the department's Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, at a press conference today (August 11) to launch the third phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign.
¡@¡@ The department conducted dengue fever vector surveillance at 38 areas in the territory to monitor the activity of the vector Aedes albopictus.
Revealing the ovitrap indices for July, Dr Ho said that the monthly average ovitrap index had declined from 10.4% in June to 6.8% in July. However, the index for port areas increased from 2.2% to 3.1%.
At the district level, 31 areas recorded positive Area Ovitrap Indices (AOIs), ranging from 1.9% to 24.1%.
Dr Ho said only the AOI of Wong Tai Sin Central (24.1%) had fallen into the alert zone of 20% to 40%.
"The inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in the district. Government departments concerned have strengthened inspections and stepped up efforts to enhance environmental hygiene conditions and eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds," he said.
Dr Ho noted that the monthly average index of 6.8% for July was the lowest for the same period since the dengue fever vector surveillance programme was launched in 2000.
"However, we must not be complacent. The ovitrap indices may rise quickly as the warm and wet weather is favourable for the hatching of mosquito eggs," he said.
On anti-mosquito measures, Dr Ho advised people to take heed of the following: inspect their homes and surroundings weekly 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; clear drains and surface channels to prevent blockage; remove stagnant water; fill up all defective ground surfaces and drill large holes in unused tyres.
Dr Ho also noted that 17 imported cases of dengue fever, mainly from Southeast Asia, had been reported from January to July this year. There were 31 such cases last year.¡@¡@
"We are highly vulnerable to dengue fever, given the intense population movement between Hong Kong and other Southeast Asian places."
To avoid mosquito bites, travellers should wear long-sleeved tops and trousers; use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body; and use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
"Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible if they have symptoms including high fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform the doctor of their travel history," he said.
Regarding the third phase of the campaign, Dr Ho said it would start on Monday (August 14) and last until October 7.
The campaign aims to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, while encouraging close partnership between government departments and community groups in tackling mosquito problems.
Departments actively participating in the campaign include Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Architectural Services; Buildings; Correctional Services; Drainage Services; Environmental Protection; Government Logistics; Highways; Health; Home Affairs; Housing; Immigration; Labour; Lands; Leisure and Cultural Services; Marine; Social Welfare; Water Supplies; the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and through its hotline at 2868 0000.
Ends/Friday, August 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:16
NNNN