FEHD releases 10th batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August (with photos)
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     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 29) released the 10th batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering five survey areas, as follows:
 
District Survey Area August 2025
First Phase Gravidtrap Index First Phase Density Index
Central/ Western Central and Admiralty 3.9% 1.0 
Kwun Tong Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling 1.8% 1.0 
Tai Po Tai Po West 5.2% 1.0 
 
District Survey Area August 2025
Area Gravidtrap Index Area Density Index
Kwun Tong Kowloon Bay 7.5% 1.1 
Kwai Tsing Tsing Yi North 12.8% 1.4 

     Among the 10th batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering three survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

     For Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded an index over 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent 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. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North indicated that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, public and private housing estates, and the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North survey area dropped from 15.5 per cent in July to 12.8 per cent in August. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in this area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

     The FEHD has so far released 10 batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August 2025, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, 40 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing that the areas' mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Sixteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

     Public participation is crucial to 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 their premises;
  • remove all unnecessary water collection 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 the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
  • properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
  • properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

     Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the 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.

     â€‹Following the 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 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, 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' 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#).

Ends/Friday, August 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:00

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