The ovitrap index of 9.8% in October was lower than the average index of 13.5% for the same month over the past three years.

At the district level, only Ho Man Tin recorded an ovitrap index of more than 20% last month, compared to five locations in September.

Announcing the figures, Consultant of the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Dr Ho Yuk-yin said there is no room for complacency even with the lower percentage, as the risk is still high and there are reports of outbreaks in neighbouring regions.

He urged people to remain on guard against Dengue fever, and take necessary anti-mosquito measures.

He stressed that community participation is important in the fight against mosquitoes.

The department has adopted enhanced surveillance and control measures to prevent mosquito breeding and runs regular anti-mosquito programmes with other departments.

Officers inspected the common areas and surrounds of over 47,000 village houses from October 13 to 31. Some 8,800 mosquito breeding grounds and stagnant water pools were cleared and over 41 tonnes of waste likely to contain stagnant water was removed.

Noting the recent outbreaks of Dengue fever in neighbouring regions, Dr Ho said Hong Kong was highly susceptible to further outbreaks because of its generally warm and humid weather.

People are strongly advised to take proper measures to eliminate the mosquito problem and to implement the weekly mosquito inspection programme recommended by the department.

The Department of Health urged people who fall sick within one month of returning from a Dengue-infected area to immediately consult a doctor and provide a complete travel history to facilitate early diagnosis and management.

Travellers are advised to wear long sleeves and long trousers, use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and use mosquito screens or nets when staying in rooms that are not air-conditioned.

To prevent mosquito bites put all used cans and bottles into covered dustbins, change plant water at least once a week and make sure no water remains in saucers underneath flower pots, cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and keep all drains free from blockage.