Dengue Fever Cases Rise in Hong Kong Amid Summer Heat and Increased Travel Risks

Update on mosquito-borne diseases, dengue fever and chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 18) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases and updated the latest situation of chikungunya fever (CF). The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, reminded the public that due to the increase in temperature and rainfall in summer, mosquito infestation is expected to be aggravated in Hong Kong. In addition, members of the public travel more frequently during summer holidays to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. As a result, the risks of imported cases and local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases increase.

Dengue fever

From July 11 to yesterday (July 17), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to the Philippines during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, 30 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2023, over 6.5 million cases and more than 7 300 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries/territories. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number.

DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 15 000 cases so far this year. Singapore also recorded over 2 800 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded a total of 140 locally infected cases so far this year. A total of 51 cases were recorded in a week between July 7 and 13, with the highest number of cases recorded in Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Foshan and Chaozhou.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHPwebsite.

Chikungunya fever

There have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020.

According to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. As of early June this year, over 220 000 cases had been reported in 14 countries/regions worldwide (including the Mainland, Taiwan and Singapore which are popular tourist destinations for Hong Kong citizens). Of these cases, about 80 were fatal. Furthermore, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded a total of 481 locally infected cases in a week between July 8 and 14, and all cases were reported from Foshan (478 in Shunde and three in Chancheng).

"There are frequent imported cases of dengue fever in Hong Kong, as well as occasional sporadic local cases every year. The presence of Aedes albopictus in Hong Kong makes our population vulnerable. Regarding CF, though Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for spreading CF, is not found in Hong Kong, Aedes albopictus can also transmit CF. Imported cases of CF and DF can lead to local transmission if they are bitten by mosquitoes during the communicable period. Mosquitoes breed quickly during the hot, rainy spring and summer months. There are risks of mosquito-borne diseases outbreaks if mosquito control is inadequate. Hence, mosquito control is of paramount importance. Members of the public are advised to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The public is reminded that eliminating mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites are key to preventing mosquito-borne diseases. Those returning from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to a doctor," Dr Tsui added.

Members of the public are also reminded to take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;

Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;

Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;

Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;

Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;

Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and

Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:

Read the label instructions carefully first;

Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;

Apply on exposed skin and clothing;

Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;

Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and

Reapply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the chikungunya fever page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook PageandYouTube Channel.

Source: AI-found images

Remarks by STL on traffic conditions on first working day following commissioning of Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) at media session

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at a media session today (December 22) with the Director of Highways, Mr Tony Yau, after inspecting the traffic conditions on the first working day following the commissioning of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section):

Secretary for Transport and Logistics: Following the successful commissioning of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) yesterday, by now we have seen a total of 50 000 vehicles of traffic throughput at this bypass. The overall traffic condition is smooth. We noticed a significant improvement in the diversion effect of the bypass in improving the traffic conditions along the Gascoigne Road Flyover and other major roads in the Kowloon district. We appeal to various road users to take care of road safety and to pay attention to the road signs. In general, the usage of the bypass is smooth.

As we can see from media reports, there were different kinds of road users using the bypass yesterday, including pet buses, open-deck buses and motorcyclists. From media reports, we can also see that every citizen shared the joy and excitement of using this bypass. The successful launch of this bypass represents not only a significant improvement in the traffic conditions but also the ingenious efforts of various engineers, contractors and consultants throughout the years in constructing and designing this infrastructure.

In particular, we have to thank the Legislative Council for providing staunch support for us in monitoring the overall construction of this infrastructure. We have invited previous, incumbent and also Members-elect of the Legislative Council to our ceremony yesterday. With the success of the Legislative Council election, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Members-elect of the Legislative Council in order to further improve the development of traffic infrastructure in Hong Kong, which is very important to the economic development of the whole society.

Thank you very much.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: AI-found images