July mosquito index hits 9.6% across Hong Kong
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s July ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus was 9.6%, classified as Level 2 and indicating a fairly widespread distribution in monitored districts . Three of the 62 surveillance areas — Kai Tak, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma On Shan — recorded district indices above 20%, leading to strengthened mosquito prevention and eradication measures . The FEHD also said the mosquito density index for July was 1.3, suggesting the average number of adult Aedes albopictus found in positive traps was not high overall .
Key Points
- The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced a citywide July Aedes albopictus ovitrap index of 9.6%, which falls within Level 2 surveillance classification .
- Of 62 monitored areas, Kai Tak, Cheung Sha Wan and Ma On Shan each posted district ovitrap indices above 20% .
- Traps with higher readings were mostly located near private housing, public estates, schools, hospitals or clinics, leisure facilities and public places .
- FEHD said hot, rainy weather between May and September supports rapid mosquito breeding, increasing the need for preventive and extermination work .
- In July, authorities carried out over 69,000 inspections, launched 17 prosecutions and issued 69 statutory notices over mosquito breeding hazards .
Why It Matters
Aedes albopictus is a key vector of mosquito-borne disease, so a Level 2 citywide reading and several districts above 20% signal the need for sustained vigilance . Authorities said they are deepening targeted responses, including source reduction, larviciding, fogging to kill adult mosquitoes and placing mosquito traps where appropriate .