Year-end cleanup: Keeping places clean and clearing stagnant water are key to preventing mosquito breeding and the spread of Dengue fever.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department is urging the public to take mosquito prevention and control measures during their year-end cleanup to prevent the spread of Dengue fever.

Making the appeal, the department's Consultant Dr Ho Yuk-yin urged the public to pay particular attention to small containers such as vases, saucers, trays and damp surfaces in depressions - all places in which the mosquito  Aedes albopictus, a Dengue fever carrier, likes to lay its eggs.

Even though the December Ovitrap Index, a measure of the kind and number of mosquitoes, dropped sharply to 1.8% - an indication that Aedes albopictus is inactive - Hong Kong should not ease its anti-mosquito efforts since the rainy season is just around the corner, Dr Ho said.

The public should get rid of all possible breeding grounds for Aedes albopictus and destroy their eggs by taking the steps outlined below.

* Scrub and clean edges and sides of water containers, vases and saucers with household detergent at least once a week.

* Keep all drains clear and unclogged.  Drains and surface drainage channels should be scrubbed and limewashed with alkaline detergent compound, again at least once a week.

* Top up all depressions that might hold water to prevent eggs from hatching when the rainy weather returns.

* Remove stagnant water. Water used in ornamental plants for the Chinese New Year should be changed at least weekly.

Dr Ho notes that the Government cannot tackle the mosquito problem on its own. "Community participation is needed to help prevent future outbreaks of Dengue fever."

He also revealed that one of two Chinese children's songs composed to drive home the message in a lively and entertaining manner was shortlisted for the best children's songs of the year.