Mosquito activity leads to growing risk of Dengue fever

The Health Bureau (SSM) has issued a warning over the rising threat of a dengue fever outbreak, as mosquito breeding has surged to higher levels across the region.

The warning comes as the mosquito propagation rate in Macau reached 59.8% in July, a level higher than the same period last year. This “demonstrates a wide distribution of ‘Aedes Albopictus’ mosquitoes in Macau and a high risk of spreading dengue fever,” the authorities said.

The dengue fever situation has also been described as “very serious” in several countries or regions in Southeast Asia, with soaring case counts reported in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, with a 44% rise in cases compared to last year. In neighboring Guangdong province, the first local case was detected in Zhuhai City on Aug. 1, while Hong Kong has reported 51 cases, including four local transmissions.

To combat the issue, the bureau has stepped up efforts, including doubling the frequency of larvicidal oil application in drains and increasing chemical mosquito spraying in high-risk areas. However, the health services emphasize that an integrated approach is needed, with the public playing a crucial role.

“The prevention and treatment of mosquito proliferation must be carried out in an integrated manner, with the elimination of the sources of proliferation being the most effective measure,” they said.

Residents are urged to maintain environmental hygiene, eliminate stagnant water, use mosquito nets or air conditioning, and seek medical attention immediately if they suspect dengue fever symptoms.

“The Health Bureau urges residents to reinforce mosquito prevention measures and seek medical advice as soon as possible if they present suspicious symptoms,” the authorities said in a statement. Victoria Chan