Press Releases
Action plans to fight mosquito problem endorsed
The Anti-mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC) met today (December 15) to review the government's anti-mosquito efforts in 2004 and formulate action plans for the next rainy season.
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, the committee was formed in 2002 to set strategies and directions for mosquito control in Hong Kong. It draws its membership from 11 relevant government bureaus and departments.
The committee said that as of yesterday, there were 29 imported dengue fever and five Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases this year. Last year, there were 49 dengue fever and one JE cases.
The committee was pleased to note that while the monthly ovitrap index reached this year's record high of 31.6% in May, with area ovitrap indices in five locations exceeding 50%, the situation had improved with the concerted efforts of the community and government departments. The latest ovitrap index recorded in November was 2.4%, with none of the locations surveyed in the month recorded an area ovitrap index exceeding 10%.
However, the committee expressed concern about the number of JE cases this year. To prevent and enhance the control on JE vectors, it was decided to adopt a multi-pronged approach.
On vector surveillance, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been conducting a territory-wide special survey on JE vectors since late October. The one-year survey assesses the distribution of JE vectors which will provide scientific basis for strategic control. The survey mainly covers areas around aggregations of pigs and birds, particularly migratory birds. Whenever JE vectors are identified, relevant departments will take immediate actions to abate sources of mosquito breeding.
On mosquito control action, various government departments will step up anti-mosquito operation around pig farms and at sites with gathering of migratory birds, particularly during the rainy season. Where sites with proliferated undergrowth and illegal cultivation sites are found, concerned departments will conduct grass-cutting and follow up action as soon as possible. To intensify the enforcement action, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is devising a demerit point system for pig farms in breach of hygienic practices to eliminate mosquito breeding.
On publicity, community education will be stepped to raise the level of public awareness on JE vector prevention and control. In particular, AFCD has been educating local pig farmers and farm workers about JE prevention through distribution of publicity material and organisation of seminars.
On vaccination, the government is exploring the possibility of a trial JE vaccination programme for pigs in local farms to reduce the risk of the virus threatening public health. The programme will be developed in consultation with pig farmers.
The committee also endorsed the legislative proposals to give more power to FEHD to deal with potential mosquito breeding places and to take enforcement action against mosquito breeding. The new measures include -
*FEHD may take immediate anti-mosquito action in any premises with or without posting notice where there is an imminent health hazard. FEHD may recover the cost of these anti-mosquito operations from owners or occupiers, or people responsible for the management of the premises.
*FEHD may request management companies to take anti-mosquito action in the premises they manage.
*FEHD may place, install, inspect and collect mosquito surveillance devices such as ovitraps in the common parts of private premises.
Mrs Yau said the battle against mosquito borne disease was a long term one.
"We have to remain alert all the time and be well-prepared for the next rainy season. The involvement of the private sector, the media and the general public in combating vector mosquito is central to the success of our anti-mosquito battle," she said.
Ends/Wednesday, December 15, 2004
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