CHP investigates case of invasive meningococcal infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 22) is investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, and reminds the public to avoid direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons and to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting this serious disease.
The case involved a 68-year-old male with underlying illnesses, who presented with fever, left knee pain and swelling on May 17. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on May 18 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. His left knee joint fluid specimen tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was septic arthritis of the left knee. The patient is now in a stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Meningococcal infection is one of the statutory notifiable diseases. As of today, the CHP has recorded six cases this year.
Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.
To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
Avoid crowded places;
Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;
Consult doctors about meningococcal vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas; and
Seek medical advice if you become ill after returning from high-risk areas, and discuss your recent travel history with your doctor.
The public may visit the CHP'swebsitefor more information on meningococcal infection.
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today
In support of National Security Education Day, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 12) held the National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day to enhance public awareness of national security, strengthen the cultivation of national identity, and provide the community with a better understanding of the HKPF’s work and achievements in safeguarding national security through a series of activities.
Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots including Hong Kong people, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability. In safeguarding national security and stopping violence and curbing disorder, he commended the Force for unequivocally and fearlessly discharging their duties, making enormous and irreplaceable contributions to building an impregnable defence for Hong Kong’s national security, and rendering Hong Kong one of the world’s safest cities.
Citing the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office in February, he emphasised that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests remains the overarching principle under the policy of “one country, two systems”. He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, and create high-standard security in support of the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. He said that the Government will, through various channels, continuously strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, lead and support all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s important substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizen’s awareness of national security and their positivity and spontaneity in safeguarding it.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that under the protection of the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order and entered a new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity. The hard-earned stability vividly exemplifies the country’s strong support and protection for Hong Kong. He noted that the Force also fulfils an important role as a guardian, upholding the belief that safeguarding national security is an ongoing endeavour with no end point, and it will enforce the law decisively, advance public education in a steady and substantive manner, and enhance the national security system.
Mr Chow further emphasised that no one can remain a mere spectator in safeguarding national security - every citizen has a duty to play their part. He expressed hope that, through National Security Education Day, members of the public would better understand and embrace the principles set out in the white paper, enhance their awareness of national security, and work together to safeguard national security and Hong Kong’s stability.
The event, held at the “Little Grape”-themed park located at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, featured “NSafe Voyage”, a national security education exhibition zone that resembled a vessel, to deepen public understanding of the white paper. The “NSpeed Promotional Truck” and the new “NSmarties AI Interactive Platform” engaged the public, especially the younger generation, through interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the Force’s professionalism and the diversity of its work.
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
