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

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#).

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. Photo shows an FEHD staff member inspecting a new mosquito trap at a public housing estate in Tuen Mun West, Tuen Mun District, and providing the estate management staff member with advice and technical support on mosquito prevention and control. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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. Photo shows an FEHD staff member inspecting a construction site in Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin District, and providing the site management staff member with advice and technical support on mosquito prevention and control. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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. Photo shows staff members of the FEHD’s contractor conducting fogging operation to eliminate adult mosquitoes in the vicinity of Central, Central and Western District. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 5) released the eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering six survey areas. Photo shows a robotic dog carrying out an anti-mosquito fogging operation at a woodland in Tsing Yi North, Kwai Tsing District. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE holds dialogue session with LegCo Members

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, held the Chief Executive's Dialogue with Legislative Council (LegCo) Members at the Dining Hall of the LegCo Complex this morning (July 28). A total of 67 LegCo Members attended the session.

Mr Lee said that the introduction of the Dialogue had three objectives, namely to enhance mutual understanding and build consensus between the executive authorities and the legislature; to create new value for the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" through the new initiative; and to share experiences in implementing "patriots administering Hong Kong" for fostering reform. Mr Lee thanked the President of the LegCo, Dr Starry Lee, for supporting his idea of introducing the Dialogue. He also thanked LegCo Members for their active participation.

Mr Lee said that he has always attached great importance to executive-legislative relations, and has continued to introduce innovative initiatives to create more new value for the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". Since assuming office, he has enhanced communication and interaction between the executive authorities and the legislature through various means. These include introducing the LegCo Ante Chamber Exchange Sessions to facilitate regular exchanges between Principal Officials and LegCo Members; transforming the Chief Executive's Question and Answer Sessions from its one-way question-and-answer model into the two-way and interactive Chief Executive's Interactive Exchange Question and Answer Sessions; attending the oath-taking ceremony of LegCo Members of the current term on the day they assume office to address and congratulate them, extending words of encouragement and expectations; and speaking at the first sitting of the current-term LegCo, proactively strengthening the joint efforts of the two sides in realising the value of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and building Hong Kong together.

The Dialogue provides a calm and cordial setting for direct communication, free from constraints such as the Rules of Procedure. Mr Lee said, "I regard the LegCo as the Government's reform partner. Both the Government and the LegCo are members of Team Hong Kong, sharing the same goal of solving problems for the public. The Chief Executive's Dialogue with LegCo Members is an innovative initiative that allows us to engage in warm and in-depth dialogue, holding exchanges as teammates."

During the Dialogue, LegCo Members actively participated and engaged in open exchanges on a wide range of topics, including the economy, livelihood matters and social development. They also shared the outcomes and insights gained from their participation in the National Affairs Study Visit in Beijing last week.

CE holds dialogue session with LegCo Members Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE holds dialogue session with LegCo Members Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE holds dialogue session with LegCo Members Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases