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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to take proper anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases amid rises in ovitrap indices in some areas in July.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Announcing the ovitrap indices for July, a department spokesman said today (August 17) that the monthly average ovitrap index for July had risen to 23.1%, from 20.7% in June.
The area ovitrap indices (AOIs) of Diamond Hill, Sheung Shui and Tai Po reached 70.9%, 68.5% and 61.8% respectively, all of which, as well as the AOIs for 16 other areas, were announced earlier.
Among the AOIs announced for the remaining 19 areas today, Wong Tai Sin Central (31%) and Sham Shui Po East (20%) had their readings equal to or above the alert level of 20%.
The index for port areas, however, had dropped from 3.2% in June to 2.9% in July.
"In view of rising ovitrap indices, the inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in all districts. Government departments concerned, in addition to the regular weekly programme, have been stepping up mosquito control measures in specific areas and increasing the number of operations to contain the mosquito problem," the spokesman said.
"Aedes albopictus can breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they are not properly handled."
"People must stay alert to the threat of mosquitoes and strictly observe all anti-mosquito measures as the ovitrap indices can rise drastically under the current hot and wet weather," the spokesman said.
He said people should step up inspection of their home and surroundings 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; fill up all defective ground surfaces and drill large holes in unused tyres.
"People should prevent accumulation of water in the premises at all times, especially after rain and floor cleaning," he said.
The spokesman also advised estate management bodies to keep drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
Meanwhile, the department will launch the third phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign next Monday (August 20). During the eight-week campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will step up anti-mosquito operations and publicity activities throughout the territory.
These include the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Architectural Services Department; the Buildings Department; the Correctional Services Department; the Drainage Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the Government Logistics Department; the Highways Department; the Department of Health; the Home Affairs Department; the Housing Department; the Immigration Department; the Labour Department; the Lands Department; the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Marine Department; the Social Welfare Department; the Water Supplies Department; the Education Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
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/Friday, August 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:10
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