Lawmaker looks to Singapore’s data-driven mosquito monitoring to fight chikungunya

In a written interpellation to the Legislative Assembly (AL), lawmaker Che Sai Wang raises concerns about the effectiveness of local and regional prevention measures against the spread of chikungunya fever. Che calls on authorities to intensify their mosquito control strategies and boost cross-border coordination to curb its spread.

The lawmaker indicates that despite the efforts of the Health Bureau (SSM) and the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) – including the SSM’s Joint Prevention and Control Team conducting daily inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, as well as increased mosquito control by community groups – “cross-border import of the epidemic has not diminished, and prevention and control measures need to be further strengthened to cope with the increasingly severe situation.”

The lawmaker explains that effective control hinges on eliminating mosquito breeding sites, a challenge exacerbated by Macau’s unique geography and humid climate.

Heavy summer rainfall, humidity, and typhoon activity routinely overwhelm drainage systems, producing environments most favorable for mosquito breeding.

He explained, “The reproductive cycle of mosquitoes is short and spreads quickly, and the spread of chikungunya will become more difficult to control if special management of these high-risk areas is not strengthened.”

Che noted that while some mosquito sanitization efforts exist, they often remain reactive and limited in scope.

Challenges remain in high-risk areas like tourist attractions and densely populated commercial districts, where inadequate prevention and control measures could potentially allow chikungunya to spread easily.

The lawmaker stressed that the city’s recent cases show a strong dependence on patients recognizing symptoms and seeking medical care.

“Imported cases show that the current prevention and control measures are still too dependent on patients seeking medical attention, and if patients lack awareness of the disease or do not seek medical attention in time, it may lead to widespread spread of the virus.”

“This is particularly important because chikungunya has a long incubation period and early symptoms similar to other common diseases, making it easy to overlook,” explained the lawmaker.

Che called for broader public engagement through a citywide anti-mosquito plan, increased education in schools, and community efforts to eliminate stagnant water at home.

He also urged the government to consider adopting an enhanced, Singapore-style mosquito monitoring system, boosting community engagement and education, as well as improving screening of travelers from affected areas, including temperature checks at all major entry points.

According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), it uses a comprehensive mosquito monitoring system focused on Aedes mosquitoes, combining ovitraps, Gravitraps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and integrated surveillance.