Health Authorities Investigate Mpox Case, Urge Vaccinations and Vigilance Against Virus Spread

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 28) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.

The case involves a 33-year-old male with good past health. He developed rashes and lymphadenopathy on April 22, and attended the Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic of the DH on April 25. He is in stable condition, and is being arranged for treatment and isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital.

A preliminary investigation revealed that he did not receive Mpox vaccination and had a history of high-risk exposure in Hong Kong. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

The CHP reminded high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations in order to lower the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. In addition, persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once. They should not engage in activities with others that may expose others to their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected.

The CHP has set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373), which operates from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Those who suspect or are concerned that they may have had high-risk contact with confirmed cases, particularly men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, can use the hotline to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.

Furthermore, the DH provides vaccination services to high-risk groups of Mpox. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

Individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;

Healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;

Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and

Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

The high-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.

Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

For more details, please visit the CHP's page onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.8 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 16) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 13 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.8 million were seized.

A 27-year-old foreign male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand yesterday. During customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds weighing about 13kg in total were found in 24 bags inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in adangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on May 19, 2025.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2.8 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases