HA ramps up measures to control mosquito menace

For some unfortunate individuals, mosquito bites can result in more than just annoying itchy bumps. Mosquitoes in some parts of the world, including Hong Kong, carry the risk of infectious diseases, such as Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalitis.

There has been a notable increase in the incidence of Dengue Fever in Hong Kong this year, with 52 confirmed cases (including cases contracted locally and overseas) as at 16 July 2015.

In a bid to create a mosquito-free environment in public hospitals and institutions as far as possible, the Hospital Authority has enhanced its mosquito control measures across multiple departments.

As the key coordinator of the anti-mosquito efforts, the Business Support Services Department (BSSD) at HA Head Office has arranged bulk contract for pest control service for all HA hospitals / institutions and has been liaising closely with the Centre for Health Protection and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), on mosquito control and prevention. BSSD will disseminate the updates to clusters and respective hospitals will communicate with contractors and local district offices of FEHD for mosquito prevention and control measures.

Apart from weekly routine anti-mosquito work, contractors and HA colleagues have stepped up inspections after heavy rain to ensure stagnant water is removed and vegetation is kept well trimmed. Larvicidal oil / sand is applied to surface water channels, and lawns and thickets are regularly treated with anti-mosquito fogs.