FEHD continues to step up mosquito control and elimination efforts in view of imported chikungunya fever case (with photos)
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Since last month, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts to reduce the risk of transmission of CF and other mosquito-borne diseases. Following the recent imported CF case, the FEHD has immediately conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within 250-metre radius of residence of the patient, including eliminating breeding places and potential breeding grounds, and carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas to eliminate adult mosquitoes. In addition, relevant departments will continue to conduct mosquito prevention and control work in areas under their purview to achieve greater prevention and control effect. In collaboration with relevant departments and local community, the FEHD is also stepping up publicity and educational efforts in the affected district to raise public awareness of mosquito prevention.
As recent heavy rainstorms have led to stagnant water accumulation at construction sites near the patient's residence, the FEHD has promptly inspected 21 construction sites in the vicinity today and issued 22 statutory notices to the contractors of construction sites with stagnant water, in accordance with Section 27 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), requiring the person-in-charge of relevant construction contractors to effectively eliminate mosquito breeding places. The contractors have taken follow-up actions, and in view of the recent heavy rainfall, removed stagnant water and taken relevant measures, such as placing temephos sand granules to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The FEHD will continue to monitor the relevant situation.
The FEHD has been identifying and promptly handling mosquito breeding places through inspections and public complaints. In case of accumulation of water in construction sites or other premises, the FEHD may issue statutory notices to require person-in-charge of the premises to follow up. If there is evidence that the person-in-charge of premises not taking the responsibility resulting in mosquito breeding, the FEHD can take enforcement actions. As of the end of July, the FEHD has initiated 84 prosecutions this year, including 77 cases related to construction sites and 7 cases involving other premises.
When meeting with trade representatives in the end of July this year, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the FEHD appealed to workers at outdoor construction sites to raise awareness and take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. The EEB and the FEHD expect the relevant trade to continue adopting measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD again appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures:
- Tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
- Remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
- Change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants no more than every 7 days;
- Properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquito from accessing the water;
- Properly dispose articles that are able to contain water such as empty lunch boxes, cans and tyres; and
- Pave or fill uneven ground and/or holes.
Members of the public may refer to the FEHD's webpage on mosquito prevention and control (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/risk-pest-mosquito.html#), and should constantly pay attention to the information regarding CF released by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems.
Ends/Monday, August 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:56
Issued at HKT 21:56
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