********************************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has reminded people to stay alert to the potential hazards of mosquito-transmitted diseases -- dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JE) - in view of the current rainy season favourable for mosquito breeding.
Announcing the ovitrap indices for June, the department's Consultant (Community Medicine), Dr Ho Yuk-yin said today (July 10) that the monthly average ovitrap index had risen slightly from 10.3% in May to 10.4% in June. The index for port areas also rose from 0.4% to 2.2%.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
At the district level, of the 38 locations surveyed last month, 35 areas have recorded positive Area Ovitrap Index (AOI).
Dr Ho said five areas had their readings fall into the alert zone of 20% to 40%.
They are Diamond Hill (39.1%), Tai Wai (35.4%), Ma Wan (29.2%), Tung Chung (25.7%) and Wong Tai Sin Central (23.7%).
"The inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in these districts. Government departments concerned have strengthened inspections and stepped up efforts to enhance environmental hygiene conditions and eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds," he said.
Indices for the other areas ranged from 1.8% to 18.9%.
Dr Ho noted that the monthly average index of 10.4% for June was the lowest recorded for the same period since the dengue fever vector surveillance programme was launched in 2000.
"However, we must not be complacent. The ovitrap indices may rise quickly in the coming months as the warm and damp weather is favourable for the hatching of mosquito eggs," he said.
On anti-mosquito measures, Dr Ho advised people to take heed of the following: inspect their homes and surroundings weekly 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; clear drains and surface channels to prevent blockage; remove stagnant water; fill up all defective ground surfaces and drill large holes in unused tyres.
Dr Ho also noted that 15 imported cases of dengue fever had been reported so far this year and 14 of them came from Southeast Asia.
"We are highly vulnerable to dengue fever, given the intense population movement between Hong Kong and other Southeast Asian places.
"During the summer holidays, travellers coming back from areas infected by mosquito-transmitted diseases are advised to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have symptoms including high fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform the doctor of their travel history," he said.
On preventive measures against JE vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Dr Ho advised that the following measures should be taken, especially in rural areas:
* Wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers when staying outdoors after dusk;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body;
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned; and
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps/ water gates and removing stagnant water regularly.
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 can 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, July 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:40
NNNN
