Press Releases
Proactive measures taken to guard against mosquito breeding
The Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC) held a meeting today
(April 10) 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 2012 were lower than the average indices of
past years (from 2000 to 2011). 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. The department has expanded the scope of the
dengue vector surveillance programme in the community to cover areas
which are densely populated or frequently visited, or where local
dengue fever cases have occurred in the past. A total of 44 areas are
currently covered under the surveillance programme.
To ensure their anti-mosquito measures are taken promptly when the
Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) of a particular area reaches the alert level
of 20 per cent, the FEHD has introduced an ovitrap index rapid alert
system targeting the management offices of residential premises,
social welfare facilities and schools that are situated within the
surveillance area. 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, the 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, the 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 urged livestock and fish
farmers 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/Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:56
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