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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch the first phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2009 on Monday (March 2) to tie in with the advent of warm and humid weather.
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ˇ§The campaign is to arouse public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. During the campaign period, relevant government departments will step up anti-mosquito work and members of the public will also be encouraged to join in the fight against mosquitoes,ˇ¨ a department spokesman said today (February 27).
The monthly average Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) for January was 0%. Seventeen out of the 18 AOIs available so far for February remain at 0%. Wan Chai North is the only area surveyed which recorded a positive ovitrap index at 1.8%.
ˇ@ˇ@ˇ§Despite the low indices, people should continue to take effective anti-mosquito measures as mosquito eggs can hatch when the weather is warm and humid,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
He advised people to inspect homes and surroundings weekly 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, remove stagnant water, fill up all defective ground surfaces and wrap up disused tyres properly or puncture them to prevent water being trapped.
To guard against breeding of the Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the following measures should be taken, especially in the rural areas:
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps and water gates, and removing stagnant water regularly;
* Inspect water-cultivation areas and animal farms frequently;
* Eliminate stagnant water in surface channels; and
* Remove water in containers for animals after feeding and cover the containers properly after use.
The first phase of the campaign will take place from Monday to March 27. During the period, inter-departmental control measures will be stepped up and publicity activities will be held throughout the territory.
The relevant departments are 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.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the departmentˇ¦s website, www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, February 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:07
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