Hong Kong Reports New Chikungunya and Dengue Fever Cases; Travel Advisory Issued for Affected Regions.

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

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 10) reported the latest situation of chikungunya fever (CF) and dengue fever (DF).

Chikungunya fever

As of 5pm today, one new case of CF had been recorded.

The case involves a 9-year-old boy living in Sham Shui Po District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he visited Zhaoqing in Guangdong between October 4 and 6. He developed a fever, joint pain and rash yesterday (October 9). He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre for medical attention on the same day and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. He is now in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for the Chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing.

Three household contacts of the patient had travelled with him to Guangdong and are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

Since the patient stayed in Guangdong during his incubation period, the CHP considered that he was infected during travel. The case was classified as imported. The CHP's epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and it has reported the case to the health authority of Guangdong Province.

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 29 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.

Dengue fever

From October 3 to yesterday (October 9), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to India during the incubation period.

As of yesterday, 49 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.

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 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number.

DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 40 000 cases so far this year. Singapore has also recorded over 3 500 cases.Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded nearly 1 600 locally infected cases so far this year. A total of 150 cases were recorded in a week between September 22 to 28, with the highest number of cases recorded in Guangzhou, Jiangmen, Chaozhou and Shenzhen.

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.

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 of DF and CF, as well as at locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:

carrying out intensive fogging inscrubby 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

Speech by SITI at 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit

Following is a speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit (ICMIS) today (December 8):

Professor Yang (Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Professor Michael Yang), Professor Noble (Technikos Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professorial Fellow of St Hilda's College of the University of Oxford Professor Alison Noble), Professor Shum (Vice-President (Research) of CityU, Professor Anderson Shum), Professor Chan (Director of the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Professor Kannie Chan), Terry (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Terry Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit organised by the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, COCHE in short.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Today's Summit provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange and dialogue among world-class experts. We are happy to see the gathering of experts from different disciplines dedicated to addressing critical challenges and advancing medical innovation in cerebro-cardiovascular health - a domain that directly impacts millions of lives worldwide.

Pursuant to the country's 14th Five-Year Plan and the 15th Five-Year Plan proposal to develop Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to building a vibrant I&T ecosystem. Amongst our efforts, InnoHK stands out as a flagship I&T initiative that has successfully established a total of 30 research centres in Hong Kong, collaborating with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, pooling more than 3 000 researchers locally and from all over the world.

The COCHE, one of the InnoHK centres in the area of life and health sciences and the organiser of this Summit, specialises in developing innovative technologies for the early prediction and intervention of cardiovascular diseases. With strategic partnerships with world-leading institutions including the University of Oxford and the Karolinska Institutet, the Centre has made significant advancements in AI-powered imaging, biosensing, and drug delivery systems by strategic partnership since its establishment in December 2020. This shows us how breakthroughs can be achieved through global research collaboration. Through shared datasets and cross-border clinical validation, the participating institutions integrated the Centre's technical innovation and clinical applications. Besides, students from the University of Oxford visited the COCHE in 2024 with an aim of strengthening academic exchange and cultivating future talent. Such exchanges of talents lay a fertile ground for Hong Kong to develop an international research hub.

Building on the successes of the first two InnoHK clusters which focus on life and health sciences as well as AI and robotics, we are expediting the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster which focus on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials. This cluster aims to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong and promote the development of advanced technologies and the related industries.

Ladies and gentlemen, innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives through collaboration. As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to working together for the betterment of humanity. With the concerted efforts of the Government, academia, research institutions and industry partners, I am confident that our I&T ecosystem will not only thrive, but also strengthen Hong Kong's competitive edge. May I wish the 2nd ICMIS every success. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images