Dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes more widespread in Hong Kong as government urges community action
Adult Aedes albopictus, which carry the disease, were particularly widespread in Yau Tong, Wo Che and Tseung Kwan O North
The area of Hong Kong infested by dengue fever-spreading mosquitoes was last month bigger than during any month of July in the past 11 years, according to a widely used index, and health chiefs have sought community efforts to curb the disease.
New figures from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department showed the monthly ovitrap index, which tracks the presence of adult Aedes albopictus, increased to 15.7 per cent last month, from 11.3 per cent in June.
With two newly confirmed cases on Tuesday night, so far there have been at least 18 local cases of dengue fever since August 14.
According to the health department, one case confirmed on Tuesday night was a 59-year-old male living alone on Cheung Chau, who was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital in a stable condition. During the incubation period, he had travelled to Shunde and Guangzhou in Guangdong. “We have informed the Guangdong and Macau health authorities to alert them to the latest situation,” the spokesman said.
Another newly confirmed case was a 43-year-old woman living in Wong Tai Sin who had visited Lion Rock Park and had a history of recent mosquito bites. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment in August and has been in a stable condition.