The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement yesterday that Macau recorded 46 cases of chikungunya fever (38 imported, 8 local) and 36 cases of dengue fever (35 imported, 1 local) last year.
The SSM prevention of dengue fever working group held its 2026 work conference yesterday, with the aim of effectively addressing the heightened risk of dengue and chikungunya fever in Macau and neighbouring regions, and to safeguard public health.
According to the statement, last year’s data indicate a severe dengue situation globally and in nearby regions. Notable case counts from neighbouring areas last year include Vietnam (184,903), Indonesia (161,928), Cambodia (63,016), Thailand (57,440), Malaysia (51,406), Singapore (4,036), Guangdong Province (3,991), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (59 dengue cases and 82 chikungunya cases).
With increased population movements and the onset of the peak activity period for the Aedes albopictus mosquito* next month, the bureau’s working group has concluded that the risk of cross-border transmission and the subsequent local spread of the “two fevers” is rising. This necessitates enhanced efforts in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, the statement said.
The statement noted that the working group evaluated the transmission risks for this year and discussed the implementation of various control and publicity measures. The planned actions include, according to the statement, a raft of inspection campaigns, source reduction (eliminating breeding sites), and mosquito control operations.
Concurrently, the working group will intensify educating the community through outreach activities, emphasising that the most effective way to prevent mosquito breeding is to eliminate standing water, the statement added.
The bureau reminded the public to adopt the “three mosquito prevention steps” to collectively curb the threat of mosquito-borne diseases, including regularly removing stagnant water in the workplace and at home; using mosquito nets or turn on the air conditioner at home to reduce the chance of mosquito bites; and wearing light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and trousers and use repellent during outdoor activities.
The statement urged residents to seek medical attention immediately if suspected symptoms of dengue fever or chikungunya fever appear such as fever and rash.
* The Aedes albopictus is a small, aggressive, black-and-white mosquito known for its distinctive striped appearance and its ability to transmit several harmful viruses to humans. – DeepSeek
This handout provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows its 2026 work conference yesterday about preventing chikungunya fever and dengue fever.
