Dengue mosquito index at its highest in years

The dengue fever mosquito index was recorded as at its highest in years this February, with the Areia Preta, Fai Chi Kei and Tap Seac areas being most affected. The Macau Association for Ecological Study says that the reason might be related to a lack of sanitary conditions in old buildings. “Prevalence of mosquitoes is especially high in disrepair buildings due to sewage accumulation after recent rainfall. It’s the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed. Tap Seac, Areia Preta, and Io Hon are crowded areas with many old buildings, increasing the risk of mosquito’s proliferation,” said the association’s president Kou Lot Fu. February’s monthly average ovitrap index, which reflects the prevalence of a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission, was at the highest in years. Nevertheless, Kou said the situation is manageable since only one case of dengue fever has been registered so far. In addition, he stressed that Taiwanese visitors with fever should notify the Health Bureau as the island is registering a high number of dengue fever cases.