Press Releases
Proactive measures taken to guard against mosquito breeding
The Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC) held a meeting today (April 23)
to review the effectiveness of existing anti-mosquito measures and dengue
vector surveillance work.
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food), Mrs Marion
Lai, the AMSC comprises representatives of a number of policy bureaux and
departments.
During the meeting, the Chairperson pointed out that the Monthly Ovitrap
Indices throughout 2011 were lower than the average indices of the past
years (from 2000 to 2010). She expressed her gratitude to the policy bureaux
and departments for their continuous efforts on mosquito prevention.
Representatives of policy bureaux and departments briefed the meeting on
their anti-mosquito work and strategies this year. The Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been strengthening dengue vector
surveillance. Starting from January last year, the department has expanded
the scope of the dengue vector surveillance programme in the community to
cover six more areas (Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay; Shau Kei Wan and Sai
Wan Ho; Hung Hom; Sheung Kwai Chung; So Kwun Wat and Sai Kung Town), which
are densely populated or frequently visited, or where local dengue fever
cases have occurred in the past. As a result of this extension, a total of
44 areas are currently covered under the surveillance programme.
To ensure anti-mosquito measures are taken promptly when the Area Ovitrap
Index (AOI) of a particular area reaches the alert level of 20 per cent,
FEHD introduced an ovitrap rapid alert system targeting at the management
offices of residential premises, social welfare facilities and schools that
are situated within the surveillance areas since April last year. Under the
system, when the AOI of an area is confirmed to have reached 20 per cent or
above, subscribers to the system whose premises are situated within the
surveillance area concerned will be notified immediately to take necessary
mosquito preventive and control measures. The implementation of the system
is generally smooth.
In addition, FEHD will continue to eliminate potential mosquito breeding
grounds in public places and apply larvicides to stagnant water where
appropriate, handle mosquito complaints promptly and take out prosecutions
under the relevant ordinance against mosquito breeding. Furthermore, in the
coming summer months, FEHD will strengthen liaison with construction sites
and private estate management companies regarding mosquito prevention work.
Other departments have also continued to intensify their mosquito preventive
and control work, as well as strengthening publicity and education
campaigns. Targeting commercial and individual activities that might easily
come into contact with mosquitoes such as livestock farms, fish farms and
recreational sites in country parks, the Agriculture, Fisheries and
Conservation Department (AFCD) has asked the relevant management staff to
enhance mosquito prevention work and promotion activities. The AFCD has also
written to farmers urging them to take anti-mosquito measures.
The Department of Health has strengthened its publicity campaign to remind
those who travel outside Hong Kong to take precautionary measures.
The Housing Department will step up publicity through posters, notices,
leaflets and estate newsletters.
The Development Bureau has reminded site staff of public works sites to
ensure effective anti-mosquito measures are undertaken.
The Lands Department will continue to conduct grass cutting on government
land sites under its control and clear identified hillside illegal
cultivation black spots to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. It
will also send letters to request short-term tenants to prevent and control
mosquito breeding.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will carry out mosquito control
operations at its venues and step up inspection.
The Education Bureau will jointly organise with the FEHD a seminar on dengue
fever and Japanese encephalitis vectors for school personnel in May. Schools
are reminded again to keep the school and the surrounding environment clean.
The District Offices will assist with the publicity for mosquito prevention
and control, including distributing anti-mosquito promotional leaflets and
items, as well as facilitating health talks.
The Government Property Agency will continue to remind its property
management agents to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures at properties
under its purview.
Mrs Lai encouraged members of the AMSC to step up their efforts to mobilise
and organise more community participation in mosquito prevention. "We need
to stay vigilant throughout the summer months, especially when the weather
becomes warmer and damper, providing more favourable conditions for mosquito
breeding. Only when all relevant departments, related parties, district
organisations and members of the public play their part and work in close
partnership can we deal with the mosquito problem effectively to minimise
the threat of dengue fever and other mosquito-transmitted diseases," she
said.
Ends/Monday, April 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:17
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