A new anti-mosquito campaign will be lauched as six more districts recorded a rise in the Area Ovitrap Index in May, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says.

Department Consultant Dr Ho Yuk-yin said today that the locations have registered their first positive AOI this year, against a 0% reading in the past four months.

They are Yau Ma Tei (17.3%), Tsim Sha Tsui (9.4%), Yuen Kong (8%), Wan Chai North (9.8%), Happy Valley (5.6%) and Ho Man Tin (7.7%).

Results for the remaining districts, some of which may also see a rise in AOI, will be available later.

New campaign

To raise awareness on Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, the department will run the second phase of its Anti-Mosquito Campaign from May 23 to July 2.

It will intensify publicity, with television and radio announcements on anti-mosquito measures. Posters and banners will be displayed at prominent spots while leaflets and CD-roms carrying mosquito control messages will be distributed.

Roving exhibitions at major shopping malls and housing estates will be held and anti-mosquito talks will be conducted for various community groups such as schools and housing estate management companies. District Councils will also be invited to participate in large-scale anti-mosquito operations.

Imported cases

Dr Ho said the prevalence of Dengue fever in the region is also a matter of concern, with 31 imported cases recorded last year, and six this year.

He urged people to strictly follow measures suggested in the department's Anti-mosquito Weekly Programme to remove stagnant water at home and in nearby areas.

Japanese Encephalitis prevention of is another matter of concern, with five cases reported last year.

He urged rural residents, particularly those living near pig farms and bird roosting sites, to use mosquito traps and screens. They should also be well protected when outdoors.