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Despite the ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus recording of zero last month, indicating that the infestation of Aedes albopictus in the areas surveyed stayed at a relatively low level and the infestation of the vector is not extensive, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 23) reminded the public to keep up effective measures against mosquito breeding as mosquito eggs will start to hatch when the weather turns warm and humid.
"The monthly territory-wide ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus, a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF), for January this year dropped to 0 per cent, from 0.1 per cent in December last year. As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus again stayed at zero as in December last year," an FEHD spokesman said.
"Despite the zero index for Aedes albopictus recorded in January, in view of the confirmation of three local DF cases earlier and the fact that there are still DF cases in neighbouring areas, and Aedes albopictus is still active in winter, the community must remain vigilant. The Government and the public must work together in conducting anti-mosquito work. Relevant departments will continue to intensify their mosquito preventive and control work, as well as strengthen publicity and education campaigns.
"To heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, the first phase of an Anti-mosquito Campaign, which will last for five weeks, was launched today. During the three-phase campaign period, relevant government departments and public bodies will strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures as well as publicity efforts throughout the city.
"After the Lunar New Year, people should properly handle or dispose of flowers or tangerines to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water in containers that mosquitoes can breed in.
"They should also inspect their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, properly dispose of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drill large holes in unused tyres," the spokesman said.
He also 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.
The ovitrap index is divided into four levels, reflecting the infestation level of Aedes albopictus. Level 1 (< 5 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is not extensive in the area surveyed. Level 2 (5 per cent - < 20 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is slightly more extensive in the area surveyed. Level 3 (20 per cent - < 40 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito exceeds one-fifth of the area surveyed. Level 4 (>/= 40 per cent) indicates that almost half of the surveyed area is infested with the mosquito. The Government will step up the scale of anti-mosquito operations according to the level of infestation as well as reports from front-line staff and the public.
Oviposition traps are set in 44 areas in Hong Kong for monitoring the breeding of Aedes albopictus, which is only one of the mosquito species commonly found in Hong Kong and is active only in the daytime. The index does not capture the activities of Aedes albopictus outside the 44 areas and it also does not measure the prevalence of other kinds of mosquitoes.
The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, February 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:02
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