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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged the public to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures and to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases during the current rainy season.
A department spokesman said today (May 21) that the monthly average ovitrap index for April had risen to 7.6%, from 1.4% in March.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Among the 38 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.7% to 25.5%, were recorded in 35 areas.
The spokesman said the index of Fanling (25.5%) 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.
The index for port areas also rose from 0.3% in March to 0.9% in April.
He advised estate management bodies to adopt the Anti-mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme to implement anti-mosquito measures, such as keeping the drains free from blockages and filling up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
The spokesman said people should 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.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures under Anti-mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme 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/Monday, May 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:11
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