Two New Imported Chikungunya Fever Cases Reported in Hong Kong After Travel to Guangdong

Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (October 5), two new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

Latest case information

The first case involves a 61-year-old male living in Southern District. Preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Foshan and Zhuhai in Guangdong between September 27 and 29. He developed a fever and joint pain on October 2. He sought medical attention at an out-patient clinic of a private hospital on October 3, and he was subsequently admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment yesterday (October 4). His blood sample tested positive for the Chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. He is now in stable condition.

​Seven people who accompanied the patient to Foshan and Zhuhai and another household contact of his (who did not travel with him) are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

​The other case involves a 24-year-old male living in Eastern District. Preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Jiangmen in Guangdong Province alone between September 26 and 29. He developed a fever, rash and joint pain on October 3. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and was admitted on the same day for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. His blood sample tested positive for the Chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. He is now in stable condition.

The patient's three household contacts are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

Since the two patients stayed in Guangdong Province during their incubation periods, the CHP considered that they were infected during travel. The cases were classified as imported. The CHP's epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and it has reported the cases to the health authority of Guangdong Province.

Latest surveillance data

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 26 confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases. From 2016 to 2019, Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 imported cases annually.

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.

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.

​The CHP urged schools to follow the FEHD's anti-mosquito guidelines to strengthen efforts to clear stagnant water on school premises and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. It is also imperative to remind staff members and students to consistently implement mosquito prevention and personal protective measures to guard against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases within school premises.

Additionally, the CHP's Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and 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

CE: Government to drive reform with new-term LegCo as election successfully concludes

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the following statement today (December 8) after the announcement of the results of the eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election:

The eighth LegCo General Election has successfully concluded, with the election results for all 90 seats announced. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I would like to extend my congratulations to all LegCo Members successfully returned. I also thank the 161 candidates from different sectors, professions and backgrounds, as well as all sectors of the community, for their active participation.

The smooth and successful conduct of the election at a time when the Hong Kong community is collectively facing a difficult period carries profound significance. It demonstrates electors' support for the Government's commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy, and for electing capable and committed LegCo Members to drive institutional reform. It showcases the spirit of unity, mutual care and support among the people of Hong Kong.

The successful conclusion of the LegCo General Election as scheduled reflects our adherence to and respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law. The election was the second LegCo General Election held after the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the improved electoral system. Candidates actively participated in 39 open election forums, engaging in a high-quality, high-standard and healthy competition based on the principle of broad representation, balanced participation and fair competition.

I thank every one of the electors who have cast their vote for actively exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. Their passion for the election at this crucial time of recovery showed their unity in the face of challenges. They have elected an eighth-term LegCo composed of patriots who love Hong Kong and possess both integrity and capability, who will work with the Government in building a better Hong Kong - a home for us all.

To facilitate electors, the Government introduced a number of pioneering arrangements in this election, including extending polling hours by two hours to 16 hours, setting up Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for the convenience of various groups, and establishing Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors travelling to and from the Mainland and overseas. The overall polling process was smooth. The Government will review the experience to further enhance the procedures. I thank the Electoral Affairs Commission for its comprehensive and meticulous preparations, and the participation and efforts of all staff and volunteers involved in the election. Their work have ensured the election was concluded smoothly in an open, fair, honest, safe and orderly manner.

The community has gone through this difficult period brought by the fire together.I expect the eighth-term LegCo Members to join hands with the HKSAR Government to undertake support and recovery work following the tragedy. Through initiating debates, promoting the review and updating of legislation, and driving systemic reforms, we will make Hong Kong a safer city where citizens could live with greater peace of mind.

Under the executive-led system and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the executive and the legislature will further engage in constructive interaction, complementing each other with due checks and balances to open up new ground for Hong Kong through innovation and reform, continuously develop the economy, and enhance people's livelihood. I am confident that the new-term LegCo Members will actively engage with the community and various sectors, better understand public opinion, proffer their views and advice, and lead the deepening reforms of Hong Kong together with the HKSAR Government to create a shared future together.

Source: AI-found images