Gov’t rolls out smart mosquito traps to combat rising breeding rates

The Health Bureau (SSM) has acquired 30 intelligent mosquito traps from mainland China for testing, following two consecutive months of yellow-alert ovitrap readings in May and June.

According to SSM surveillance data, Macau’s Aedes albopictus mosquito breeding index has remained at yellow-alert levels for two consecutive months, with the overall ovitrap indices for the past two months standing at 57.3% and 58.4%.

The highest mosquito activity was recorded around the Seac Pai Van public housing estate in Coloane, followed by the Ocean Gardens and Lake Building areas in Taipa, and multiple districts on the Macau Peninsula, including Praya Grande, Fai Chi Kei, Tap Seac, and Praia do Manduco.

The SSM director, Alvis Lo, used Wednesday’s Social and Cultural Tea Gathering to urge the public to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases, confirming that 30 smart traps are now being trialed at Conde S. Januário Hospital, health centers, and some health stations.

“We will expand the program to other departments if the results prove effective,” he said.

According to the authorities, the smart trap mimics human respiration by releasing carbon dioxide and uses a specific spectrum of light to attract mosquitoes, drawing them into the device with airflow, where they are dehydrated and killed.

The bureau noted that the recent increase in imported cases has significantly raised the risk of local transmission of both dengue and chikungunya as Macau enters the peak summer tourist season, with more residents and visitors traveling to endemic areas in Southeast Asia and neighboring regions where both diseases remain prevalent.

Despite the heightened risk, authorities have carried out 7,751 breeding site inspections and 1,524 rounds of chemical fogging at approximately 130 sanitation black spots and high-risk areas up to June this year.

Since July, the bureau has stepped up fogging at black spots to at least three to four times per month, while conducting dynamic risk assessments and adjusting measures as needed, alongside monthly mosquito control operations at parks, leisure areas, and municipal cemeteries across the city.

The bureau stated that the trial would evaluate the traps’ performance, ideal locations, and durability, with data analysis to guide future expansion. Locally made traps will also be tested and compared to help inform wider deployment.