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Monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus of December 2022 remains at lowest level
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     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (January 18) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus in December 2022 dropped further to 1.5 per cent from 1.9 per cent in November last year. The index in December remained at Level 1 at its lowest, indicating that distribution of Aedes albopictus in the areas surveyed was not extensive.

     All the 64 survey areas were recorded with a gravidtrap index lower than the alert level of 20 per cent. Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in December last year was 1.2, which represented that an average of 1.2 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. The gravidtrap and density indices for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department's website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Under the concerted efforts and collaboration of various government departments, the index in December last year dropped further. As the breeding and activity of mosquitoes will not stop in winter, the FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts, and will conduct prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work. At the same time, members of the public are advised to continue the routine mosquito prevention and control work, and arrange early repair and maintenance of structures in wintertime. Cracks and dents which may accumulate water and become potential breeding grounds shall be filled and levelled during the dry season so as to reduce the chance of mosquito breeding when the rainy season approaches."

     The FEHD kick-started its territory-wide year-end clean-up campaign on December 28 last year, which lasted for 21 days. During the campaign, mosquito prevention and control work was enhanced, including carrying out inspections, removing stagnant water, applying insecticide and disposing of abandoned water containers weekly to prevent mosquito breeding, and trimming of grass to discourage resting of adult mosquitoes on the site.

     The FEHD appeals to members of the public to work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     â€‹Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever (DF) as well as Zika virus infection. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. The dengue activity in neighbouring areas has remained high and Hong Kong has recorded 28 imported DF cases so far since last year. Members of the public should stay vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.
 
Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:00
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