DH urges members of public to maintain hygiene amid high level of activity of hand, foot and mouth disease
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 21) issued another letter to doctors and schools, updating them on the latest situation regarding hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and reminding them to watch for related symptoms among schoolchildren as the localactivity of HFMD has increased in recent days. Schools shouldreportany HFMD outbreak to the CHP immediately.
The CHP's latest surveillance data showed that the number of HFMD outbreaks in institutions/schools recordedhas gradually increased, from 17 outbreaks affecting 50 persons in the week between October 26 and November 1, to 20 outbreaks (affecting 53 persons) and 25 outbreaks (affecting 61 persons) per week in the recent two weeks (i.e. November 2 to 8 and November 9 to 15 respectively). During the first five days of this week (November 16 to 20), 16 outbreaks affecting 40 persons have been reported. Among the 78 HFMD outbreaks recorded from October 26 to November 20, 82 per cent (64 outbreaks) occurred in child care centres/kindergartens (CCC/KG) and primary schools.
Additionally, the CHP's sentinel surveillance based atCCC/KGandprivate medical practitioner clinicsrevealed that the HFMD consultation rates have remained high since late October of this year. There was also an upsurge in consultation rates for HFMD in the Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals last week.
"HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. HFMD occurs year-round in Hong Kong, with peak seasons generally occurring from May to July and from October to December. Given that the activity of HFMD remains at a high level, parents should stay alert to the health conditions of their young children. While most HFMD patients have mild symptoms, three cases of severe paediatric enterovirus infection have been recorded so far this year, requiring hospitalisation. While all patients have recovered and been discharged, I hope that the public will not take this disease lightly," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"Schools and institutions have a higher chance of encountering outbreaks as HFMD can spread more easily among young children who have closer contact with each other. Schools are reminded to follow theGuidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseaseson preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up. Management of venues with play facilities should also refer to the CHP'sPublic Health Advice for Play Facilitieson appropriate infection control in activities involving young children under6 during the peak season of HFMD," he added.
HFMD patients usually experience fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat in the early stages of the illness. One to two days after the onset of fever, painful sores may develop in the mouth and often become ulcers. Most patients recover on their own within seven to 10 days.
Dr Tsui stressed that alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71. Therefore, alcohol-based handrubs should not be a substitute for washing hands with liquid soap and water.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially those in the management of schools and institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
- Maintain good air circulation;
- Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after going to the toilet, when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing, or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
- Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry;
- Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry;
- Avoid going to overcrowded places;
- Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rashes have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; and
- Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.
The CHP's weekly publication, EV SCAN, is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP's page for more information onHFMD and EV71 infection.
Source: AI-found images
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 21) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 12 survey areas, as follows:
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
First Phase Gravidtrap Index |
First Phase Density Index |
Eastern |
Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho |
9.1% |
1.4 |
Islands |
Tung Chung |
2.0% |
1.0 |
Kowloon City |
Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan |
6.7% |
1.5 |
Tai Po |
Tai Po East |
2.2% |
2.0 |
Tai Po West |
15.5% |
1.0 |
Tuen Mun |
Tuen Mun South |
9.1% |
1.4 |
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
Area Gravidtrap Index |
Area Density Index |
Central and Western |
Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui |
16.8% |
1.3 |
Eastern |
Chai Wan |
15.4% |
1.0 |
North Point and Quarry Bay |
18.9% |
1.4 |
Southern |
Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau |
20.8% |
1.7 |
Sha Tin |
Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan |
18.3% |
1.4 |
Tsuen Wan |
Tsuen Wan Town |
6.9% |
2.3 |
The fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas. Among which, six survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District recorded a gravidtrap index above 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the gravidtrap indexes of six survey areas, namely Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui in Central and Western District; North Point and Quarry Bay in Eastern District; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District; Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District; Tai Po East in Tai Po District; and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, have recorded a decrease as compared to the indexes recorded in the last survey period, reflecting the progress of relevant mosquito control work.
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractors following the discovery of mosquito breeding at construction sites in Tai Po District and Southern District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in a park, a construction site, a private housing estate, a clinic and a private premises in Tai Po District, Central and Western District, as well as Southern District, the FEHD has issued five statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
remove all unnecessary water collections 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 water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating 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 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 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, 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 from the two weeks of 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 May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
