 |
| FEHD personnel distribute anti-mosquito leaflets |
The Hong Kong government has lstepped up its campaign against mosquitos to prepare against the wet and hot season that seasonally sees an increase in mosquito-borne diseases.
This time, the campaign is focusing on chikungunya fever, a viral and incurable disease that has been identified in over 110 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its main symptoms are fever and debilitating joint pain which causes the stooped appearance of patients that gave it the name “chikungunya”, which means “to become contorted” in the Kimakonde language in Africa.
The campaign is led by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Department of Health.
 |
| PINDUTIN DITO |
In an announcement, FEHD said it has begun convening meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, which include the Housing Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks..
“Targeted and sustained mosquito control actions will be carried out at locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, based on the latest Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus,” it sad. These measures include conducting fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes, removal of stagnant water and water-holding containers, application of larvicides (e.g. temephos sand granules), and installation of mosquito traps.
FEHD said inspections will be stepped up at construction sites, works areas and private residences.
 |
| Basahin ang detalye! |
“The FEHD also invites the Housing Department and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourages resident participation; working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as ‘three-nil’ buildings; and strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures,” it said.
As for the public, FEHD issued this advice:
- Keep the environment clean by disposing of rubbish properly. Refuse like empty cans and food containers where water can accumulate easily should be disposed of in covered litter containers;
- Clean the saucers under potted plants weekly and prevent water accumulation;
- Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surface every week;
- Keep water-storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered;
- Check umbrella stands, umbrella tubes and air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.
- Keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the water accumulation.
- Scrub all drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergents at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
- Call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and visit the Centre for Health Protection's thematic webpage: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html for more information on chikungunya fever.
