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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has reminded people to sustain anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
A department spokesman said today (November 17) that although the monthly average ovitrap index for October had dropped slightly to 7.3%, from 9.8% in September, people should maintain their vigilance.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Of the 38 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.9% to 18.2%, were recorded in 36 areas, with the highest being reported in Tai Wai.
As for port areas, the index dropped from 0.2% in September to 0.1% in October.
"Although the indices for October are lower than those for September, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places," the spokesman said.
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.
He 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.
The spokesman also urged estate management bodies to keep drains free from blockage and fill 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/Monday, November 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:05
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