Public urged to keep up anti-mosquito efforts

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 23) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus (MGI) for February was 0.1 per cent and remained at Level 1 at its lowest, indicating that mosquito infestation in the areas surveyed was not extensive.

     Among the 64 survey areas, no area recorded a gravidtrap index exceeding the alert level of 20 per cent. Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in February was 1, which represented that an average of one Aedes albopictus adult was found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not high in the areas surveyed. The gravidtrap and density indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department's website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

     Despite the index remaining at a low level, the department reminded members of the public to carry out effective preventive measures against mosquito breeding early as the warm and humid weather of spring is favourable for mosquito breeding.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Effective mosquito control requires the sustained effort of all parties concerned. The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue to intensify their mosquito prevention and control work covering areas under their purview and strengthen publicity and education. The FEHD is conducting a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The first phase of the territory-wide campaign, lasting four weeks, was launched from February 21 to March 18. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD targeted areas that have drawn particular concern to remove accumulation of water and to carry out mosquito prevention and control work. After the first phase of the campaign, the FEHD has conducted territory-wide thematic mosquito prevention and control special operations such as strengthening mosquito control at individual construction sites. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments, before the peak season of mosquito breeding, have launched the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations since March 10 to focus on eliminating potential breeding places of mosquitoes, and called on property managements to arrange necessary repairs to their premises so that the chance of mosquito larvae hatching is reduced. Furthermore, intense adult control will follow by means of regular fogging operations in rainy season."

     The FEHD appeals to members of the public to work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing the water in vases and scrubbing the inner surfaces, removing the water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever (DF) as well as Zika virus infection. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. The dengue activity in neighbouring areas has remained high.