The test results of the city’s Aedes mosquito (ankle biter) density in the second half of July showed that 196 out of 466 monitoring sites were identified as having increased risk of transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Saturday.
Among the 196 sites identified as having higher risk, six were inhabited by mosquitoes in high density, 28 had medium density and 162 stood at low density.
Among the six high-density sites, three were parks and three were residential compounds. The 28 medium-density sites consist of 10 parks, 14 residential compounds and four medical institutions.
Aedes mosquitoes are the main dengue virus carriers. Medium density indicates a moderate risk of dengue fever transmission, while high density indicates that the introduction of an external case could potentially spark a dengue fever outbreak in the nearby vicinity.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause fever, headache, flushed skin or even death.
There are no specific medications or vaccines currently available for the prevention of dengue fever. People may die due to important organ failure once it develops into a severe case.
Citizens are also advised against staying in shaded outdoor areas during peak periods (7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) when mosquitoes are frequently seen, according to Shenzhen Evening News.