No New Chikungunya Fever Cases Reported in Hong Kong, Authorities Urge Vigilance Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Update on chikungunya fever

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 5pm today (September 6), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

"According to the World Health Organization, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks this year, and as of July this year, over 240 000 cases had been reported in 16 countries/regions worldwide. Of these cases, about 90 were fatal. High temperatures and rainfall levels in summer continue to pose a risk of outbreaks of various mosquito-borne diseases in Hong Kong and around the world, and members of the public must remain vigilant. They must take proper mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. Individuals experiencing relevant symptoms should seek medical advice promptly and inform their doctors if they have a travel history," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 13 confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases. From 2016 to 2019, Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 imported cases annually.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) continues to conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations, and intensify mosquito prevention and control measures at the residences of recently confirmed patients, as well as at locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:

carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;

carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and

enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

Additionally, the CHP's Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and to remind cross-boundary public transport operators and other relevant parties to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division distribute leaflets to travellers, conduct temperature screenings for inbound travellers, conduct health assessments for travellers with fever or related symptoms and refer them to hospitals for follow-ups when necessary.

Proper use of DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients can prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

read the label instructions carefully first;

apply right before entering an area with a 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 (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);

apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;

reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and

in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.

Source: AI-found images

Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 to be held this weekend

The "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026, organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), will be held at the Cyberport Arcade between 11am and 6pm this weekend (January 17 and 18). Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join the event with their dogs.

The Adoption Carnival aims to encourage members of the public who intend to keep pets, to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals, as well as promote responsible pet ownership. The co-organisers of the Carnival include Cheung Chau Animal Care, HK Saving Cat and Dog Association, Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, Paws United Charity, Society for Abandoned Animals, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Team for Animals in Lantau South.

Members of the public can interact with dogs that are up for adoption at the Adoption Carnival. Dog keepers can apply for or renew licenses on site. The Carnival also features veterinary consultation services, a dog playground, a virtual reality gaming experience, game booths, an interactive educational exhibition, pet-themed handicraft workshops, as well as sharing sessions by representatives of animal welfare organisations (AWOs) and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to take part with their dogs. However, dogs entering the venue should be licensed (except for those to be licensed on-site), vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. All dogs should also be kept under proper control.

The AFCD has been committed to encouraging members of the public who wish to keep pets to adopt abandoned or unclaimed animals through the AFCD's partnering AWOs. Upon receiving animals, the AFCD will transfer animals assessed by veterinarians as being in good health and suitable for adoption to partnering AWOs for adoption by members of the public. The AFCD provides free desexing operations for cats, dogs and rabbits adopted through partnering AWOs.

For details of the event, please visit the thematic website of the "Let's Go! The Pet Owners' Journey" Dog Adoption Carnival 2026 (www.petswithlove.com.hk).

Source: AI-found images