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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged the public to step up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the current rainy season is most favourable for mosquito breeding.
A department spokesman said today (August 25) that although the monthly average ovitrap index for July had dropped slightly to 13.1%, from 14.2% in June, people should not relax their vigilance.
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 1.9% to 30.8%.
The spokesman said readings in eight areas fell into the alert zone of 20% to 40% - namely Sham Shui Po East(30.8%), Tin Shui Wai(29.1%), Ho Man Tin(27.3%), Lek Yuen(25.5%),Wong Tai Sin Central(24.6%), Kwai Chung(22.6%), Ma On Shan (20.8%) and Kwun Tong Central(20.7%).
"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," the spokesman said.
"The department will also closely monitor the situations of other areas."
As for port areas, the index also dropped from 1.6% in June to 0.8% in July.
Aedes albopictus can breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and abandoned tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they are not properly handled.
The spokesman said people should inspect their homes 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.
"After a rain, they should remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards immediately," he said.
He also urged estate management bodies to keep the drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
Travellers are 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 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 such as 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 the 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 of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (www.chp.gov.hk) and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, August 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:03
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