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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures, once the weather in Hong Kong becomes warm and humid.
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Announcing the ovitrap indices for February, the department's Consultant (Community Medicine), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, said today (March 13) that the monthly average ovitrap index was 0.1%, the same as that of January.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
At the district level, almost all the 38 locations surveyed last month recorded zero on the ovitrap indices. The only exception was Sham Shui Po East where the index was 1.9%.
The index for port areas in February stood at 0%, the same as that recorded in January.
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"Although the figures suggest that the activity of Aedes albopictus is low, our preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are being reported in our neighbouring countries," Dr Ho said.
He warned that the figures could rise quickly as mosquitoes were ready to hatch from eggs once the weather turned warm and wet again.
"People should therefore stay alert and adopt anti-mosquito measures. Eliminating the accumulation of stagnant water is the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding.
"People should pay attention to small containers such as vases, saucers and trays under their air-conditioning units. They are all favourable places for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
"Edges and sides of water containers, vases and saucers should be scrubbed and cleaned with household detergent at least once a week," he said.
"Drains and surface sewers should be scrubbed and limewashed with alkaline detergent compound at least once a week. The drains should be kept free from blockages and all depressions should be filled."
Dr Ho also called for full community support for the first phase of this year's anti-mosquito campaign, running from February 27 to March 25.
"The campaign aims to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, while encouraging close partnership between government departments and community groups in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
"District Councils and members of area committees were invited to play an active role in the campaign and help mobilise community participation," he said.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and through its hotline at 2868 0000.
People may also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever from the website (www.chp.gov.hk) of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, March 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:30
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