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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (April 12) urged people to step up anti-mosquito efforts amid increasing activity of the dengue vector in some areas.
Announcing the ovitrap indices for March, the department's Consultant (Community Medicine), Dr Ho Yuk-yin, said today that the monthly average ovitrap index (MOI) had slightly risen from 0.1% in February to 0.2% in March.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
At the district level, of the 38 locations surveyed last month, three areas (Tung Chung, Kwai Chung and Lai King) recorded positive ovitrap indices ranging from 2% to 2.9%. The highest index was recorded at Tung Chung.
The index for port areas in March stood at 0%, the same as that recorded in February.
"Although the ovitrap indices in general remain at a low level at the moment, our preventive measures should be stepped up," Dr Ho said.
He warned that the ovitrap indices would inevitably go up further, especially as the weather became warmer and damper, providing more favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
"People should therefore stay alert and adopt anti-mosquito measures. Eliminating the accumulation of stagnant water is the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding.
"People should pay attention to small containers such as vases, saucers and trays under their air-conditioning units. They are all favourable places for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
"Edges and sides of water containers, vases and saucers should be scrubbed and cleaned with household detergent at least once a week," he said.
"Drains and surface sewers should be scrubbed and limewashed with alkaline detergent compound at least once a week. The drains should be kept free from blockages and all depressions should be filled."
Travellers to Southeast Asia during the Easter holidays are also strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas infected by mosquito-transmitted diseases:
* Wear trousers and long-sleeved tops;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body when going out; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
Travellers coming back from these places should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have symptoms including high fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain, and they should inform the doctor of their travel history.
The ovitrap indices and information on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and through its hotline at 2868 0000.
People can also obtain information and health advice on dengue fever from the website (www.chp.gov.hk) of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:23
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