FEHD Reports August Mosquito Indexes, Highlights Areas Needing Enhanced Control Measures

FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August

​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 15) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering seven survey areas, as follows:

District

Survey Area

August 2025

First Phase

Gravidtrap Index

First Phase

Density Index

Kwun Tong

Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping

9.5%

1.0

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun West

12.0%

1.3

District

Survey Area

August 2025

Area Gravidtrap Index

Area Density Index

Yau Tsim

Tsim Sha Tsui East

7.3%

1.0

Kowloon City

Kowloon City North

5.6%

1.0

Wong Tai Sin

Wong Tai Sin Central

5.7%

1.3

Tuen Mun

So Kwun Wat

13.9%

1.1

Kwai Tsing

Tsing Yi South

6.1%

1.0

Among the fourth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering five survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except Tuen Mun West and So Kwun Wat.

The FEHD has so far announced four batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 27 survey areas. Among these 27 survey areas, 15 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared with the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing the areas' mosquito infestation improved or maintained at a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. As for areas with an index over 10 per cent, including Ma On Shan in Sha Tin, and So Kwun Wat and Tuen Mun West in Tuen Mun, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation that strengthens mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20 per cent or above, the department is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, gravidtrap data for Tuen Mun District showed that the areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and private housing estates, and the relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up. Additionally, the FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in those three areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;

remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;

check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;

change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;

properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and

properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest Gravidtrap Index and the Density Index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools, to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks' surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Police complete identifications and forensic examinations of remains from Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire

The Police announced today (January 15) that the identifications and forensic examinations of the remains from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire have been completed, with a total of 168 deceased persons confirmed. The deceased comprise 58 males and 110 females, aged between 6 months and 98 years. Four of the deceased were certified dead after being taken to the hospital, while the remains of the other 164 were recovered at the scene.

Among the deceased were a fireman, two interior decorators, five construction workers, and 10 foreign domestic helpers (nine Indonesians and one Filipina).

All bereaved families have been notified of the confirmed identities of the deceased. The Police stated that all remains recovered in the incident have been positively identified, leaving no unidentified remains outstanding. Moreover, all enquiries regarding the Wang Fuk Court fire received by the Casualty Enquiry Unit have been verified, with no missing persons unaccounted for.

The Police continue to investigate the fire, with a death investigation report to be submitted to the coroner, who will review it and decide whether an inquest should be held. Should a court hearing be convened, the deceased's particulars shall be submitted to the court by the Police. Respecting the wishes of the grieving relatives, the Police will not disclose the deceased's particulars at this stage.

For enquiries, members of the public can contact the Police casualty enquiry hotline at 1878 999.

Source: AI-found images