FEHD Releases Updated Mosquito Infestation Data, Urges Public Participation in Control Measures

FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 5) released the eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering six survey areas, as follows:

District

Survey Area

May 2026

Area Gravidtrap Index

Area Density Index

Central and Western

Central and Admiralty

14.2%

1.2

Wong Tai Sin

Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan

16.7%

1.0

Kwai Tsing

Kwai Chung West

17.8%

1.0

Lai King

26.9%

1.3

Tsing Yi North

30.0%

1.5

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun West

12.4%

1.3

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

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, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water in a construction site in Wong Tai Sin District and five public housing estates in Kwai Tsing District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified time frame. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders 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.

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 eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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

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

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

Fatal traffic accident in Tsim Sha Tsui

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tsim Sha Tsui today (June 6), in which a woman died.

Police received a report at 2.12am today that a taxi driven by a 69-year-old man was travelling along Nathan Road from Tsim Sha Tsui towards Mong Kok. When approaching Granville Road, it reportedly knocked down a 34-year-old woman who was crossing the road.

Sustaining serious injuries, the woman was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 2.41am.

The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, Kowloon West is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers. The contact number is 3661 9023.

Source: AI-found images