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With the approach of the Lunar New Year, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department reminded the public to take advantage of the year-end clean-up to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases.
A department spokesman said today (January 15) that the monthly average ovitrap index for December last year had dropped to 0.1%, from 1.9% in November.
The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission.
Of the 38 areas surveyed last month, a positive ovitrap index was only recorded in Wong Tai Sin Central at 1.6%.
The index for port areas also stayed at 0% as in November last year.
"Although Aedes mosquitoes are rather inactive locally at the moment, preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places," the spokesman said.
Aedes albopictus can breed in very small water bodies. Surface channels, discarded containers, sand traps and abandoned tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they are not properly handled, he said.
"During the year-end clean-up, people should pay particular attention to small containers such as vases, saucers and trays as well as damp surfaces in depressions," the spokesman said.
"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."
He also advised the public and estate management bodies 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 blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent accumulation of water.
Travellers are 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 returning from these places are advised to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they have symptoms such as 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 under the Anti-Mosquito Weekly Inspection Programme 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 of the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (www.chp.gov.hk) and its hotline at 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:33
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