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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (July 23) that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for June rose to 11.7 per cent from 7.7 per cent in May, indicating that infestation of the mosquito was slightly more extensive in the areas surveyed.
"Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito which can transmit dengue fever (DF). In view of the confirmation of the first local DF case early last month and the fact that DF remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, and that the rainy season is favourable for mosquito breeding, the community must remain vigilant and continue to take out effective mosquito control measures to prevent local transmission of DF," an FEHD spokesman said.
June's monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus remained at the same level as the corresponding period last year. Among the 44 surveyed areas for Aedes albopictus, the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in eight areas reached or exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. They were Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay (24.1 per cent), Tsim Sha Tsui (23.2 per cent), Happy Valley (22.8 per cent), Tai Po (22.6 per cent), Ma On Shan (22.4 per cent), Sheung Shui (22.2 per cent), Yuen Chau Kok (21.1 per cent) and Fanling (20.4 per cent).
The spokesman said an inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in those areas. In addition to the regular weekly programme, the FEHD will clear potential mosquito breeding grounds in the public places in those areas and apply larvicides to stagnant water where appropriate. It will also handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding.
The government 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 of 20 per cent. Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the common 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 June also rose slightly to 2.4 per cent from 2 per cent in May.
The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires sustained efforts on the part of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to take effective mosquito control measures.
As Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, the spokesman advised the public and estate management bodies to scrub all drains and surface sewers 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.
He also reminded the public to 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.
Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via the hotline 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.
Moreover, travellers are advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent during the summer holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body when outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when a room is not air-conditioned.
Travellers returning from these places should seek medical advice if they have symptoms such as fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.
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/Thursday, July 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01
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