***************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reminded the public to remain vigilant against mosquito-transmitted diseases, despite a drop in ovitrap indices in August.
The department's Consultant (Community Medicine), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, said today (September 7) that the monthly average ovitrap index, was below the alert level of 20% and had declined from 6.8% in July to 3.9%.
Among the 38 areas surveyed, 26 of them recorded positive Area Ovitrap Indices (AOI), ranging from 1.8% to 13%.
¡@¡@
The AOI of two areas exceeded 10%. They were Tin Shui Wai (13%) and Tseung Kwan O (12.1%).
¡@¡@
The index for port areas also dropped from 3.1% in July to 1.5% in August.
"Although the ovitrap indices on the whole are on the low side, our preventive measures cannot be relaxed. There have been 24 imported cases of dengue fever reported so far this year, compared with 16 cases during the same period last year.
¡@¡@
"The Guangdong province, in particular, has seen a drastic surge in the number of dengue fever cases recently.
¡@¡@
"We are highly vulnerable to dengue fever, given the intense population movement between Hong Kong and neighbouring areas."
Dr Ho said the FEHD had enhanced its mosquito prevention and control work in various districts, especially the port areas. It had also issued letters to cross-boundary transport companies reminding them to take anti-mosquito measures.
Dr Ho urged people to stay alert as past records showed that dengue fever cases could still occur at the end of the rainy season.
He said the public should therefore take effective anti-mosquito measures, especially those living in rural areas.
¡@¡@
Meanwhile, estate managements should strengthen their anti-mosquito works and keep drains free from blockages.
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.
People can also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever from the website (www.chp.gov.hk) of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, September 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:30
NNNN
