The monthly average ovitrap index rose from 0.2% to 0.3% in February, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says. The index for port areas stood at zero, the same as in January.

The ovitrap indices reflect the prevalence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for Dengue fever transmission.

Announcing the figures today, the department said among the 38 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices - ranging from 1.7% to 2.8% - were recorded in five areas, with the highest being reported in Cheung Chau.

Although Aedes mosquitoes are rather inactive at the moment, preventive measures should not be relaxed as Dengue cases are still prevalent in neighbouring countries, the department said.

Travellers to Southeast Asia are advised to take precautionary measures when visiting areas infected by mosquito-transmitted diseases.