Press Releases
Government further enhances anti-mosquito measures (with photo)
In view of the recent confirmation of two cases of Japan
encephalitis (JE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, in Hong Kong, the
Anti-Mosquito Steering Committee (AMSC), which comprises various
Bureaux and Departments, held a special meeting today (July 19) to
discuss ways to further enhance anti-mosquito measures, and
strengthen mosquito preventive and control work.
The Chairperson of the AMSC cum Permanent Secretary for Food and
Health (Food), Mrs Marion Lai said at the meeting that, upon
confirmation of the two cases, the Food and Environmental Hygiene
Department (FEHD) has strengthened the mosquito preventive and
control work in the pig farms/locations with gathering of wading
birds in the vicinity of Tin Yan Estate and Tin Heng Estate; carried
out fogging in scrubby areas at Tseung Kong Wai and Sha Kong Wai
Tsai, in the woodland at Fung Kong Tsuen area as well as other
scrubby areas within two kilometers radius around Tin Yan Estate and
Tin Heng Estate; and conducted inspections to those areas under
FEHD's responsibility within two kilometers radius around Tin Yan
Estate and Tin Heng Estate, and offered technical advice on mosquito
control and prevention to other departments (e.g. Education Bureau
(EDB) and schools under EDB's responsibility). FEHD introduced the
strengthened guidelines on anti-mosquito work during the peak
seasons at the meeting, and issued these guidelines to the various
departments vide e-mails thereafter. FEHD will immediately convene
meetings with the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito
work to discuss measures to strengthen mosquito prevention and
control at the district level.
FEHD has also commenced since July 15 a territory-wide thematic
mosquito prevention and control special operation. Targeting areas
which have drawn particular concerns, such as single-block
buildings, pig farms and locations with gathering of wading birds,
individual districts will intensify mosquito prevention and control
work. Upon the end of the operation on August 9, the eight-week
anti-mosquito campaign (Phase III) will commence on August 19.
In the light of the above two cases, FEHD will study the collection
of samples of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in future rainy seasons for
laboratory testing to ascertain whether these carry virus. This will
help formulating the work direction in future.
Other departments (e.g. the Housing Department (HD)) 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 facilities in country parks, and taking into
consideration the two confirmed cases, the Agriculture, Fisheries
and Conservation Department (AFCD) has asked the management staff of
the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the pig farms in the vicinity of the
patients' residence to enhance mosquito prevention work and
promotion activities. AFCD has also urged livestock and fish farmers
to take anti-mosquito measures.
The Department of Health has strengthened its publicity campaign to
remind the public to take sufficient precautionary measures against
mosquito-transmitted diseases.
HD will step up publicity through posters, notices and leaflets.
Publicity efforts on mosquito prevention will also be enhanced in
public housing estates in Tin Shui Wai.
The Development Bureau has stepped up anti-mosquito work in respect
of public works construction sites through the relevant site workers
and drainage facilities (especially those located in Tin Shui Wai).
The Lands Department will continue to conduct grass cutting
regularly on Government land under its responsibility and clear
identified hillside illegal cultivation black spots to eliminate
potential mosquito breeding grounds. With regard to the two JE
confirmed cases, the department plans to conduct additional grass
cutting work in July and August. Letters have also been sending out
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.
EDB jointly organised with FEHD a talk on dengue fever and JE
vectors for school personnel in May. Schools are reminded again to
keep the school and the surrounding environment clean.
The District Offices will assist in the publicity for mosquito
prevention and control, including distributing anti-mosquito
promotional leaflets and items, as well as facilitating the
organisation of health talks.
The Government Property Agency has tasked its property management
agents to continue to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures,
including cutting grass and removing stagnant water regularly, with
increased frequency.
Mrs Lai pointed out that all relevant Government departments will
work together and stay vigilant in eliminating the potential
breeding places of mosquitoes. She added that the Government will
closely monitor the effectiveness of the measures and make timely
adjustment if necessary, so as to better control the mosquito
problem and minimise the threat of JE and other mosquito-transmitted
diseases.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:09
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Photo