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With the impending rainy season, an appeal has been made for people to be alert to mosquito-transmitted diseases, in particular dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JE), and to spare no effort in preventing mosquito breeding.
The appeal was made by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's Consultant (Community Medicine) (Risk Assessment and Communication), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, at a press conference today (February 24) to announce next week's launch of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2006.
"With the concerted efforts of the community and government departments, the average ovitrap index of 3.8% recorded for last year was the lowest since the surveillance programme on the dengue fever vector, Aedes albopictus, was launched in 2000," Dr Ho said.
No local dengue fever case was reported last year while the number of JE cases had gone down from five local cases in 2004 to one local and one imported case in 2005, he said.
Based on the results of a year-long survey last year and other epidemiological data, Hong Kong was found to have no high risk area for the transmission of JE, though Yuen Long, when compared with other parts of the territory, was of relatively higher risk.
However, there was no room for complacency, Dr Ho cautioned.
The World Health Organisation had warned that there was a rising trend of dengue fever cases across the Western Pacific region in recent years.
"We should be concerned about this trend as Hong Kong is a densely populated city surrounded by areas affected by dengue fever from time to time. With an active local dengue fever vector, we are vulnerable to the continuing threat of the disease," he warned.
กกกก "Enhanced and sustained community efforts are therefore required to maintain the anti-mosquito momentum we gained last year."
He advised people to inspect their homes and surroundings weekly to remove potential breeding grounds and take preventive measures listed in the "Anti-mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme" recommended by the department.
The measures include scrubbing vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week; disposing properly of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes; clearing drains and surface channels to prevent blockage; removing stagnant water; and filling up all defective ground surfaces.
The Anti-mosquito Campaign, with the first phase running from February 27 to March 25, will also drive home anti-mosquito messages.
"The campaign aims to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of dengue fever and JE, while encouraging close partnership between government departments and community groups in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds," Dr Ho said.
"In addition to our regular inspections and control measures, publicity efforts will be stepped up during the campaign period."
Anti-mosquito messages will be promulgated through various channels, including broadcast of television and radio announcements; display of posters and banners; and distribution of pamphlets.
Other activities include exhibitions and outreaching health talks.
District Councils and members of area committees will also be invited to play an active role in the campaign and help mobilise community participation.
Departments actively participating in the campaign include Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Architectural Services; Buildings; Correctional Services; Drainage Services; Environmental Protection; Government Logistics; Highways; Health; Home Affairs; Housing; Immigration; Labour; Lands; Leisure and Cultural Services; Marine; Social Welfare; Water Supplies; the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, February 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:02
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