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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch the first phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2007 next Monday (February 26).
The campaign is to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases - dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis - while encouraging close partnership between government departments and community groups in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
ˇ°Of the 19 Area Ovitrap Indices (AOI) available so far for February, positive index, being 1.7%, was recorded in Tsim Sha Tsui only,ˇ± a department spokesman said today (February 23).
The AOI is an index to measure the prevalence of dengue fever vector, Aedes albopictus.
ˇ°The recent warm and damp weather provides favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
ˇ°Given that dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places, we are vulnerable to the continuing threat of the disease.
ˇ°So we urge the community to take active anti-mosquito measures to lower the risk of local transmission of dengue fever,ˇ± he said.
The department advised people to take the following preventive measures: inspect 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 wrap up disused tyres properly or puncture them to prevent water being trapped.
To guard against breeding of Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the following measures should be taken, especially in the rural areas:
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps/ water gates and removing stagnant water regularly;
* Inspect water-cultivation areas and animal farms frequently;
* Eliminate stagnant water in surface channels; and
* Remove water in containers for animals after feeding and cover the containers properly after use.
The first phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign will be held from next Monday to March 23 for four weeks.
During the campaign period, relevant departments will strengthen control measures and publicity efforts throughout the territory.
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 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:41
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