Hong Kong's monthly Ovitrap Index, which reflects the prevalence
of dengue-fever-carrying Aedine mosquitoes, dropped from a record
high of 31.6 percent in May to 2.4 percent in November, Hong Kong's
Anti-mosquito Steering Committee announced on Wednesday.
The committee reviewed the government's anti-mosquito efforts in
2004 and formulated measures for the next rainy season in an
ongoing effort to control the spread of mosquito-borne
diseases.
The committee said that as of Wednesday, 29 imported dengue
fever and five Japanese encephalitis cases had been reported in
Hong Kong this year. In 2003, there were 49 cases of dengue fever
and one of Japanese encephalitis.
The committee decided to adopt a multi-pronged cleansing
operation against mosquitoes, which thrive in Hong Kong's warm,
humid climate.
Since October, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
(FEHD) has been conducting a special year-long survey of
disease-carrying mosquitoes to assess their distribution.
Anti-mosquito operations around hoggeries and at sites where
migratory birds gather will be stepped up, particularly during the
rainy season. Brushy and overgrown areas will be cleared or cut
back.
Community education will be enhanced on mosquito control and
disease prevention. Pig farmers and farm workers will be informed
about encephalitis prevention through a publicity campaign and
seminars.
The government is exploring the possibility of an experimental
encephalitis vaccination program for pigs, which is to be developed
in consultation with farmers.
(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2004)