********************************************
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (May 28) that the monthly average ovitrap index for April climbed to 4.4 per cent from 0.4 per cent in March.
"With the arrival of the rainy season, the public should step up measures against mosquito breeding and stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases," an FEHD spokesman said.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Among the 44 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices (AOI) were recorded in 28 areas. Among them, the index of Yuen Kong reached 24 per cent, exceeding the alert level of 20 per cent.
An inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in that area, the spokesman said.
In addition to the regular weekly programme, he added, 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 also 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 reached the alert level.
"Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the commonly used parts of their premises to urge occupants and staff to take mosquito prevention and control measures promptly," the spokesman said.
As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for April also rose slightly to 0.1 per cent from 0 per cent in March.
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 from 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, the spokesman said.
"After a rainfall, they should immediately remove water from balconies, rooftops and courtyards," he added.
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.
Ends/Monday, May 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
