CHP recorded two cases of chikungunya fever today, one locally acquired and one imported
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (November 13), two new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) have been recorded, one locally acquired and one imported. The CHP continued to implement various prevention and control measures with various Government departments and relevant organisations, striving to prevent CF from taking root locally and minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong.
Latest case information
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The local case involves a 68-year-old female living in Tung Hei Court in Shau Kei Wan. A preliminary investigation revealed thatshe developed joint pain on November 10, and a fever and rash the following day. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department ofPamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on November 11. Her blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. According to preliminary information, the patient had no travel history in the past two months. The case is classified as local. The patient's residence and usual activity areas do not overlap with areas where imported or local cases have been recorded in recent months. The CHP will carry out a genome analysis to ascertain whether the patient has epidemiological linkage with other cases in Hong Kong. Investigation is ongoing.
The imported case involves an 83-year-old male living in Foshan in Guangdong. He visited Hong Kong on November 10, staying temporarily in Sham Shui Po District. He developed a fever and joint pain that day and attended the Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday (November 12). His blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. Since the patient stayed in Guangdong Province during his incubation period, the CHP considered that he was infected when he was in Guangdong Province. The case is classified as imported.
The above two patients have been admitted to hospitals for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. They are currently in stable condition. The 68-year-old female patient has two household contacts and the 83-year-old male patient has one. They are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
As of 5pm today, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 61 confirmed CF cases this year. Four of these cases were local, and the rest were imported.
Government's comprehensive follow-up actions
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In response to the new local case, the CHP, together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), have inspected various locations in the vicinity of patient's residence and conducted mosquito control operations today with a view to minimising the risk of local transmission.
The CHP urged the residents living nearby Tung Hei Court to seek medical advice or contact the CHP immediately if they presented with a fever, rash or joint pain since October 15. The CHP officers and the Eastern District Services & Community Care Teams will contact the local residents to remind them to be aware of relevant symptoms and maintain good environmental hygiene in their households.
The CHP will set up a health consultation booth on 2/F, Hing Tung Shopping Centre, Yiu Hing Road, Shau Kei Wan from tomorrow (November 14) to provide assessments to residents with relevant symptoms. The inquiry hotline (2125 2373), which was set up earlier, will continue to operate daily from 9am to 6pm.
The CHP will also collaborate with the Eastern District Office to organise a health talk for local residents at the Kwan Kai Ming Memorial Chung Hok Elderly Centre of Women's Welfare Club Western District Hong Kong. The talk will take place at 5.30pm tomorrow on G/F, Hing Hong House, Hing Tung Estate. The aim is to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others.
The CHP will send another round of letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and reminding them to be vigilant. If there are any suspected CF cases, they should contact the CHP for follow up immediately.
The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
- 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 abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to 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 empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies 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.
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