Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department on Monday urged local people to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures as the weather becomes warm and humid.

The department's Consultant Dr. Ho Yuk-yin, said the monthly average ovitrap index which reflects the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission, was 0. 1 percent in February, the same as that of January.

"Although the figures suggest that the activity of Aedes albopictus is low, our preventive measures should not be relaxed as dengue cases are being reported in our neighboring countries," Dr. Ho said.

He warned that the figures could rise quickly as mosquitoes were ready to hatch from eggs once the weather turned warm and wet again.

He said people should therefore stay alert and adopt anti- mosquito measures. Eliminating the accumulation of stagnant water is the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding.

Dr. Ho also called for full community support for the first phase of this year's anti-mosquito campaign, running from Feb. 27 to March 25.

The campaign aims to heighten public awareness of the potential risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases, while encouraging close partnership between government departments and community groups in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

Source: Xinhua