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As the current hot and rainy weather is favourable to mosquito breeding, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 22) urged the public to step up anti-mosquito measures and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis (JE).
"The monthly average ovitrap index for July rose to 14.3 per cent, from 12.1 per cent in June," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Positive ovitrap indices were recorded in all 44 areas surveyed last month, ranging from 1.9 per cent to 29.1 per cent.
The Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in 10 areas reached or exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent, with the highest three in Lai Chi Kok (29.1 per cent), Kwun Tong Central (28.6 per cent) and Tsing Yi (26.3 per cent).
An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in those 10 areas. In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito-breeding grounds in public places and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate, handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The departments concerned have stepped up inspections and measures to enhance environmental hygiene in areas within their ambits. The aim is to eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds.
Furthermore, relevant departments have individually notified the groups that had voluntarily subscribed to the ovitrap rapid alert system when the AOI reaches the alert level.
"Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in commonly used parts of their premises to draw the attention of occupants and staff to take mosquito prevention and control measures promptly," the spokesman added.
As for port areas, the average ovitrap index dropped from 1 per cent in June to 0.7 per cent in July.
Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies. The spokesman advised the public and estate 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 forming.
People should inspect their homes and surroundings 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, and drill large holes in unused tyres.
"After rain, they should immediately remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards," he added.
Regarding the recent JE case reported in Yuen Long, the FEHD has carried out investigation and taken anti-mosquito measures in the district. Moreover, the FEHD has collected specimens of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in the vicinity of the patient's residence and submitted them to the Department of Health for examination for the JE virus. The laboratory test results found no JE virus in the first batch of specimens.
In order to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including dengue fever and JE, the third and last phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign for this year was launched last Monday (August 15). The third phase will last for eight weeks while the first two phases were completed in late March and the end of June respectively.
During the campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts throughout the territory.
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. The public may also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever and JE on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk and the DH's Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, August 22, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:04
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