Hong Kong reports latest Aedes albopictus mosquito trap indices for September
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department released the fourth batch of Aedes albopictus trap indices for September 2026, detailing anti-mosquito measures and public advice to curb chikungunya and dengue risks.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) on 6 October 2026 released the fourth batch of Aedes albopictus gravid trap indices for September, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and control mosquito-borne disease risks in Hong Kong.
The department outlined a series of anti-mosquito measures it continues to implement. These include cross-departmental collaboration through special task force meetings to coordinate mosquito control work among relevant bodies, such as construction site contractors, educational institutions and property management companies. FEHD also conducts targeted risk assessments at locations with more severe mosquito problems, involving intensified inspections, elimination of existing and potential breeding grounds, application of larvicide, fogging to kill adult mosquitoes, and deployment of traps in suitable locations.
Publicity and education campaigns are being carried out in partnership with stakeholders, including exhibitions and distribution of leaflets and posters to raise public awareness. A rapid notification system alerts subscribed housing estates, reminding property management companies and residents to maintain vigilance and jointly implement mosquito prevention and elimination measures.
FEHD called for public cooperation, urging residents to take personal protective steps. These include checking premises for standing water, removing water and fixing leaks, inspecting household items stored outdoors—such as bins, flowerpots, air-conditioner trays and drying racks—to avoid water accumulation, changing vase water and scrubbing the interior at least once a week, emptying saucers under potted plants, covering all water containers to prevent adult mosquitoes from reaching the water surface, properly disposing of items that can hold water such as disposable food containers and empty cans, and scrubbing ditches and open drains with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove potential mosquito eggs.
Since August 2025, FEHD has been releasing the latest gravid trap index and density index for each monitored area as soon as surveys are completed, through press releases, its website and social media. This aims to help the public stay informed about the mosquito situation and strengthen control efforts to lower the risk of chikungunya transmission.
FEHD follows World Health Organization recommendations and local conditions, setting up gravid traps in areas that have previously recorded local mosquito-borne diseases, as well as in densely populated locations such as housing estates, hospitals and schools. The department currently operates traps in 62 monitoring areas across the community, with a two-week surveillance period. Traps are collected weekly, and the first week's sticky plates are examined for adult Aedes mosquitoes to calculate the first-stage index. After the second week, data from both weeks are combined to derive the district gravid trap index and density index.
