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ˇ@ˇ@The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to maintain their efforts in maintaining proper anti-mosquito measures and remain alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the current hot and wet weather was favourable for mosquito breeding.
ˇ@ˇ@A department spokesman said today (September 17) that the monthly average ovitrap index for August had dropped to 11.3%, from 23.1% in July.
ˇ@ˇ@The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§Although the indices in August are lower than those in July, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places,ˇ¨the spokesman said.
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§We should stay alert to mosquito-transmitted diseases at all times. Any lapse in mosquito control could contribute to a rise in the indices during the current rainy season.ˇ¨
ˇ@ˇ@Among the 38 areas surveyed last month, 37 of them recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.8% to 32.7%. As for port areas, the index also dropped from 2.9% in July to 1.3% in August.
ˇ@ˇ@The spokesman said eight areas had their readings fall into the alert zone of 20% to 40%.
ˇ@ˇ@They are Sham Shui Po East (32.7%), Tsing Yi (29.6%), Kwun Tong Central (27.6%), Wong Tai Sin Central (25.4%), Tai Wai (24.5%), Pok Fu Lam (21.2%), Tin Shui Wai (20.8%) and Tseung Kwan O (20.3%).
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§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,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§The department will also closely monitor the situations of the areas that have not entered the alert zone.ˇ¨
ˇ@ˇ@Aedes albopictus could breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they were not properly handled, he said.
ˇ@ˇ@The spokesman 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.
ˇ@ˇ@He urged estate management bodies to keep drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
ˇ@ˇ@Travellers are also strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases:
* 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.
ˇ@ˇ@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.
ˇ@ˇ@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.
ˇ@ˇ@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, September 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:24
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