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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has urged people to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures in the current warm and humid weather.
A department spokesman said today (March 19) that the monthly average ovitrap index for February had risen slightly to 0.3%, from 0.2% in January.
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 2.8%, were recorded in five areas, with the highest being reported in Cheung Chau.
The index for port areas in February stood at 0%, same as that recorded in January.
"Although Aedes mosquitoes are rather inactive at the moment, our preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are still prevalent in our neighbouring places", the spokesman said.
He advised estate management bodies to take the following anti-mosquito measures: scrub all drains and surface sewers and limewash them with alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs; keep the drains free from blockages and fill up all depressions to prevent mosquito breeding.
The spokesman said people should inspect their homes and surroundings weekly to remove potential breeding grounds; 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; remove stagnant water; fill up all defective ground surfaces and drill large holes in unused tyres.
Travellers to Southeast Asia are also strongly advised to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases:
* 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/Monday, March 19, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:38
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