Lawmaker advocates for a multifaceted approach to prevent outbreak

Lawmaker Song Pek Kei recommends stronger interdepartmental coordination to address the challenges of mosquito control in Macau’s crowded urban areas.

The call from the lawmaker comes amid growing concern over the spread of mosquito-borne diseases following several imported infections and new local cases.

In response to a Chikungunya fever outbreak connected to a construction site in the northern New Urban Zone A, the lawmaker said that mosquito prevention and control requires a comprehensive approach with stronger coordination, particularly through increased supervision and enforcement at construction sites.

Song pointed out that the city experiences heavy population movements during the busy summer months, driven by tourists and residents. She concluded that frequent thunderstorms and high humidity create a sustained high risk of disease transmission.

Song suggests that authorities consider real-time data sharing and strengthened health screenings at border entry points throughout the peak tourist season to manage this threat better.

The lawmaker also noted that campaigns have already been deployed in neighboring Zhuhai and nearby cities to address the increasing risk of chikungunya fever.

Authorities identified Zone A of the new landfills, where numerous construction projects are underway, as a high-risk area on July 29. On the Following day, the Health Bureau (SSM) set up a joint Prevention and Control Team to conduct daily inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

So far, authorities have deployed chemical control measures to contain the virus at the local case’s residence and other key locations.

Residents near Jardim Kong Fok On (Block 8) building, in Areia Preta, have also been advised to take extra precautions following yesterday’s release of a risk zone map from the SSM

Community leaders in the northern district shared views similar to Song’s. Ip Weng Hong, a Northern District Community Service Consultative Committee member, emphasized the risk from frequent cross-border movement.

“Since cases have been reported in Hong Kong, awareness amongst travelers and at borders has increased,” he told TDM.

Regarding reviewing current border control measures, the Northern committee member said, “The government and immigration can assess whether these measures need to be enhanced further, if necessary.”

Meanwhile, residents in Ilha Verde have also begun to report a surge in mosquito infestation linked to debris accumulation, stagnant water in tires and plastic drums, and uneven terrain causing water pooling after heavy rain.

A local resident, surnamed Wong, told the Times, “There are a lot of areas that fill with water from leaks or cracks in the roads, which could be an issue,” pointing to waterlogged spots that increase the likelihood of mosquito breeding grounds.

Meanwhile, the vice president of the Ilha Verde Neighborhood Association, Chen Feng, was quoted by Chinese-language media as saying that water-filled potholes, plastic covers, and bowls used to feed stray animals collect rainwater and thus contribute to mosquito breeding risks.