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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign next Monday (April 30).
During the campaign period, relevant departments will step up anti-mosquito operations and publicity activities. People are also encouraged to join in the fight against mosquitoes.
"In view of the impending rainy season, people should stay alert to the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis," a department spokesman said today (April 27).
"The 15 Area Ovitrap Indices (AOIs) for April available so far are all positive. Areas with comparatively higher AOIs are Fanling (25.5%), Yuen Kong (16%), Sheung Shui (14.5%), Tsim Sha Tsui (14.3%), Tai Po (12.7%), Tuen Mun North (11.9%) and Chai Wan West (10%)."
The department conducts dengue fever surveillance at 38 areas in the territory to monitor the activity of the dengue fever vector, Aedes albopictus.
"Some areas have registered their first positive AOI this year. On the whole, the indices are rising," he noted.
"The situation serves as a signal to the community to take timely action against mosquito problems."
"Maintaining proper anti-mosquito measures at all times is the key to suppress mosquito population."
"For Fanling where the AOI has entered the alert zone of 20% to 40%, the inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism will be activated in the district. Government departments concerned will strengthen inspections and step up efforts to enhance environmental hygiene and eliminate mosquito-breeding grounds," he said.
The department advised people to take the following preventive measures: inspect homes and surroundings weekly to remove potential breeding grounds and stagnant water; scrub vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week; properly dispose of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes; clear drains and surface channels to prevent blockage and fill up all defective ground surfaces.
To guard against the breeding of Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the following measures should be taken, especially in the rural areas:
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps/ water gates and removing stagnant water regularly;
* Inspect water-cultivation areas and animal farms frequently;
* Eliminate stagnant water in surface channels; and
* Remove water in containers for animals after feeding and cover the containers properly after use.
The territory-wide campaign will be held for 10 weeks from next Monday to July 6.
Departments actively participating in the campaign include Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; Architectural Services; Buildings; Correctional Services; Drainage Services; Environmental Protection; Government Logistics; Highways; Health; Home Affairs; Housing; Immigration; Labour; Lands; Leisure and Cultural Services; Marine; Social Welfare; Water Supplies; the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the department's website www.fehd.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, April 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:31
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