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With the approach of the Lunar New Year, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (January 20) reminded the public to take the opportunity of the year-end clean-up to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures to minimise the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
"The monthly average ovitrap index for December dropped to 0.3 per cent, from 1.4 per cent in November," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Among the 44 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices were recorded in only four areas, including Happy Valley (3.6 per cent), Lai Chi Kok (3.6 per cent), Tuen Mun North (3.4 per cent) and Tin Shui Wai (1.8 per cent).
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for December stayed at zero as in November.
"Despite the relatively lower index levels recorded in December, the departments concerned will continue their efforts to maintain environmental hygiene conditions in areas under their ambit to eliminate existing and potential mosquito breeding grounds," the spokesman said.
"Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies. During the Lunar New Year period, people usually decorate their homes with flowers and tangerines. They should change water for plants, clean the containers thoroughly at least once a week and leave no water in the saucers underneath the pots," he added.
The spokesman advised the public and building management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers, and to limewash them with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
They should also keep drains free of blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent puddles from forming.
Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the Lunar New Year holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when a room is not air-conditioned.
Travellers returning from these 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.
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.
Ends/Friday, January 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:12
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