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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged the public to maintain anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases as the current hot and wet weather is most favourable for mosquito breeding.
A department spokesman said today (September 18) that although the monthly average ovitrap index for August had dropped slightly to 11.7%, from 13.1% in July, 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 29.4%.
The spokesman said readings in four areas fell into the alert zone of 20% to 40% - namely Lam Tin (29.4%), Tai Wai (25.9%), Tin Shui Wai (24.1%) and Lai King (20.4%).
"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 0.8% in July to 0.6% in August.
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 drains free from blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
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/Thursday, September 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:19
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