June's monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus rises
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"Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever (DF) and Zika virus. In view of the confirmation of two local DF cases last year and the fact that DF is still highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, and that the rainy weather in summer is favourable for proliferation of mosquitoes, the community must remain vigilant and continue to take out effective mosquito control measures," an FEHD spokesman said.
Among the 52 areas surveyed last month, the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in eight areas reached or exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. They were Tseung Kwan O North (35 per cent), Tsing Yi North (27.8 per cent), Tsuen Wan Town (26.8 per cent), Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho (25.9 per cent), Kwun Tong Central (22.6 per cent), Yuen Chau Kok (22.4 per cent), Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay (21.8 per cent) and Tin Hau (20.8 per cent).
The spokesman said an inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in the above-mentioned areas. In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in the public places in those areas and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate. It will also handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The government departments concerned have also stepped up inspections and measures to enhance environmental hygiene in areas within their ambits. The aim is to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds.
"Furthermore, relevant departments have individually notified the groups that had voluntarily subscribed to the ovitrap rapid alert system when the AOI reached the alert level of 20 per cent. Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the common parts of their premises to urge occupants and staff to take mosquito prevention and control measures promptly," the spokesman said.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for June dropped to 2.4 per cent from 3.6 per cent in May.
"Members of the public may travel to Brazil in August and September to watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games, or visit other places where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the summer holidays. If a person infected with DF or Zika virus during travel is bitten by a vector mosquito after returning to Hong Kong, the infected mosquito may spread the disease in Hong Kong by biting other people. To reduce the risks concerned, the FEHD and relevant government departments will conduct intensive mosquito preventive and control exercises across the territory covering areas under their purview from August 1 to October 31. During the exercises, actions will be taken to kill adult mosquitoes, clear stagnant water and conduct grass cutting to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, as well as to enhance publicity and public education on mosquito control via various channels. With these exercises, we hope that a whole generation of mosquitoes, including those that may be infected, will be eliminated," the spokesman said.
The spokesman urged travellers to take precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, including wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers, using insect repellent over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and using mosquito screens or nets when a room is not air-conditioned. Travellers returning from those places should seek medical advice if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.
"To heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including DF and Zika Virus Infection, the FEHD will also launch the third phase of the territory-wide Anti-mosquito Campaign, lasting for 10 weeks, on August 15. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD will target areas which have drawn particular concern, such as public markets, cooked food centres and hawker bazaars, single-block buildings, streets and back lanes, common parts of buildings, village houses, construction sites, vacant sites and road works sites, and will intensify mosquito prevention and control work at those places," the spokesman added.
As Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, the spokesman reminded members of the public to 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, and drill large holes in unused tyres. He also advised the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent puddles from forming. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
In addition, rural areas and the vicinity of shrubby areas are the natural habitats for mosquitoes, other insects and animals. Members of the public living in rural areas may install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary. Those staying in the natural environment should take appropriate personal protective measures against mosquitoes, such as avoiding staying in the vicinity of shrubby areas for a long time, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and applying insect repellent. Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.
The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires the sustained efforts of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to take effective mosquito control measures.
The ovitrap index is divided into four levels, reflecting the infestation level of Aedes albopictus. Level 1 (< 5 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is not extensive in the area surveyed. Level 2 (5 per cent - < 20 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is slightly more extensive in the area surveyed. Level 3 (20 per cent - < 40 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito exceeds one-fifth of the area surveyed. Level 4 (>/= 40 per cent) indicates that almost half of the surveyed area is infested with the mosquito. The Government will step up the scale of anti-mosquito operations according to the level of infestation as well as reports from front-line staff and the public.
As Aedes albopictus can transmit DF and Zika virus, oviposition traps are set in 52 areas in Hong Kong for monitoring the breeding of Aedes albopictus, which is one of the mosquito species commonly found in Hong Kong and is active only in the daytime. The index does not capture the activity of Aedes albopictus outside the 52 areas and it also does not measure the prevalence of other kinds of mosquitoes.
The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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