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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures and to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the current hot and wet weather with frequent showers was favourable for mosquito breeding.
A department spokesman said today (June 21) that the monthly average ovitrap index for May had risen to 15.1%, from 7.6% in April.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
All the 38 areas surveyed last month recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 2% to 31.5%.
The spokesman said 12 areas had their readings fallen into the alert zone of 20% to 40%.
They are Lam Tin (31.5%), Tuen Mun North (30.5%), Kwai Chung (28.3%), Happy Valley (27.8%), Pokfulam (27.8%), Sheung Shui (27.3%), Fanling (23.6%), Tin Shui Wai (22.2%), Cheung Sha Wan (21.4%), Tsim Sha Tsui (21.1%), Yuen Kong (20.8%) and Wong Tai Sin Central (20.8%).
"The inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in these districts. Government departments concerned have strengthened inspections and stepped up efforts to enhance environmental hygiene conditions and eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds in addition to the regular weekly programme," he said.
"When collecting the ovitrap devices placed in Wong Tai Sin for analysis, 14 out of a total of 62 ovitraps were found to have irregularities and were suspected to have been tampered with. The incident is being handled by the Police. No irregularities had been detected in the ovitrap devices in other districts," the spokesman added.
"Irrespective of the suspected tampering, we will step up anti-mosquito actions in Wong Tai Sin Central for it is one of the districts having an index exceeding 20%, thus included in the alert zone."
"Ovitrap is an important device that helps monitor the breeding of dengue vectors. We would like to remind people not to tamper with the device."
As for port areas, the index also rose from 0.9% in April to 1% in May.
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.
"After rain, they should remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards immediately," he said.
He also advised estate management bodies to keep the drains free from blockages and fill up all depressions in a bid to prevent accumulation of water.
Travellers to Southeast Asia are also strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases during the summer holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body when going out; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
Travellers coming back from these places are advised to seek medical advice 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.
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/Thursday, June 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:35
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