*********************************************************
With the approach of the Lunar New Year, people are urged to continue the battle against mosquito breeding to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Revealing the latest ovitrap indices today (February 14), a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said people should take mosquito prevention and control measures during their year-end clean-ups.
He said the monthly average ovitrap index (MOI) had dropped to 0.2% in January, from 2.3% in December last year.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Among the 38 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 1.7% to 3.6%, were recorded in only three areas, with the highest being reported in Sheung Shui.
The index for port areas also dropped to 0% in January, from 0.2% in December last year.
"Although Aedes mosquitoes are rather inactive locally at the moment, our preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places", the spokesman said.
Keeping homes and the surroundings free from stagnant water was the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding, he said.
"When people are doing their clean-up before the Lunar New Year, they should pay particular attention to small containers such as vases, saucers, trays and damp surfaces in depressions.
"They should change water for plants, including flowers and tangerines for the festive season, at least once a week and leave no water in the saucers underneath the pots."
The spokesman also advised estate managements to scrub all drains and surface sewers and limewash them with alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs. They should also keep the drains free from blockages and fill in all depressions to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.
Travellers to Southeast Asia are also strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases during the Lunar New Year holidays:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;
* 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 are advised to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have symptoms including high fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain. They should also 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, February 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN