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With the approach of the Lunar New Year, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reminded the public to take the opportunity of a year-end clean-up to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures to minimise the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
An FEHD spokesman said today (January 21) that the monthly average ovitrap index for December last year dropped from 0.6% in November to 0.1%. 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 were recorded in two areas ― 1.8% in Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau and 1.6% in Wong Tai Sin Central.
As for port areas, the average ovitrap index dropped to zero from 0.1% in November last year.
"Despite the low index levels recorded in December, preventive measures should not be relaxed," the spokesman said.
Aedes albopictus can breed in small water bodies. Choked water drains, sand traps, discarded containers and abandoned tyres all provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes if they are not properly handled.
"During the Lunar New Year period, people usually decorate their homes with flowers and tangerines. They should change water for plants, clean the containers thoroughly at least once a week and leave no water in the saucers underneath the pots," the spokesman said.
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 puddles.
Additionally, people travelling during the Lunar New Year holidays to areas where mosquito-borne diseases prevail are advised to take the following precautionary measures:
* Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and trousers;
* Use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body when staying outdoors; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the 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 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.
Ends/Friday, January 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:03
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