Second phase of Anti-mosquito Campaign 2009 starts on Monday
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will launch the second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign 2009 from Monday (April 27).
During the 10-week campaign period, relevant departments will collaborate to step up anti-mosquito operations and the public will be encouraged to join the fight against mosquitoes.
Among the 15 Area Ovitrap Indices (AOI) available so far for April, four areas recorded positive indices between 1.9% and 4%. The monthly average AOI for March was 0.2%.
"In view of the warm weather and frequent showers, which is favourable for the hatching of mosquito eggs and Aedes albopicuts activities, positive indices are expected to be recorded in other areas. We urge the community to stay alert to the threat of mosquito-borne diseases and take effective measures to prevent mosquito breeding," an FEHD spokesman said today (April 24).
He 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, fill up all defective ground surfaces and wrap up disused tyres or drill holes in them to prevent water being trapped inside.
To guard against the breeding of the Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the following measures should be taken, especially in rural areas:
* Ensure continuous water flow of water-logged fields by installing devices such as water pumps and 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 second phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign will be held from Monday to July 3.
The departments actively taking part in the campaign include the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Architectural Services Department; the Buildings Department; the Correctional Services Department; the Drainage Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the Government Logistics Department; the Highways Department; the Department of Health; the Home Affairs Department; the Housing Department; the Immigration Department; the Labour Department; the Lands Department; the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Marine Department; the Social Welfare Department; the Water Supplies Department; the Education Bureau and the Hospital Authority.
More information and advice on anti-mosquito measures are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, April 24, 2009
