FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 12) released the second batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in June, covering 13 survey areas, as follows:
District
Survey Area
First Phase Gravidtrap Index
First Phase Density Index
Eastern
Chai Wan
17.7%
1.0
Wan Chai
Wan Chai
5.5%
1.0
Kowloon City
Kowloon Tong
8.1%
1.8
Kwun Tong
Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping
42.9%
1.4
Yau Tsim
Tsim Sha Tsui East and King's Park
5.7%
1.0
North
Fanling North
2.5%
1.0
Sha Tin
Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan
10.9%
1.2
Tai Po
Tai Po East
9.4%
1.2
Kwai Tsing
Kwai Chung East
4.7%
1.5
Tsuen Wan
Sheung Kwai Chung
0.0%
N/A
Tuen Mun
So Kwun Wat
6.9%
1.0
District
Survey Area
Area Gravidtrap Index
Area Density Index
Kwun Tong
Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling
10.3%
1.5
North
Fanling South
18.2%
1.2
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May 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, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management companies following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and two private housing estates in Kwun Tong District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in three public housing estates and three private housing estates in Kwun Tong District and North District, the FEHD has issued six 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 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 12) released the second batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in June, covering 13 survey areas. Photo shows an FEHD staff member inspecting a new mosquito trap at a public housing estate in Fanling South, North 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 12) released the second batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in June, covering 13 survey areas. Photo shows a staff member of the FEHD's contractor conducting fogging operation to eliminate adult mosquitoes in the vicinity of Fo Tan, Sha Tin District. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 12) released the second batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in June, covering 13 survey areas. Photo shows an FEHD staff member inspecting a private housing estate in Sau Mau Ping, Kwun Tong District, and providing the property management staff member with advice and technical support on mosquito prevention and control. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
