No New Chikungunya Fever Cases Reported in Hong Kong, Vigilance Urged Amid Ongoing Global Outbreaks.

Update on chikungunya fever

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (January 24), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.

Latest surveillance data

---------------------------

Hong Kong has recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

Since the beginning of 2025, and as of December 10, 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere has entered the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control

---------------------------------------------------------

Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November last year, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments (including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Kwai Tsing District Office, Lands Department, Drainage Services Department, and Civil Engineering and Development Department) have been continuously conducting comprehensive mosquito control and environmental remediation work along the trails. Since the confirmation on December 10, 2025, of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, 2025, no further local cases have been recorded to date.

The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July last 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

----------------------------------------------------

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.

Source: AI-found images

EDB holds Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony

The Education Bureau (EDB) organised the Family Resilience Series: Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony under the Positive Parent Campaign today (January 24). About 300 school representatives, parents, students, and members of the public attended the event, creating a fun-filled atmosphere.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, said that the EDB launched the Positive Parent Campaign in 2020 to promote to parents and the public the proper ways and attitudes of nurturing children through organising various activities. The theme of the Positive Parent Campaign this year is "Family Resilience", with the aims to remind parents of the importance of companionship and role modelling, encourage them to listen patiently to their children's needs with acceptance and openness, guide them in analysing problems, and thereby nurture the confidence and resilience their children need to face the future.

He noted that the competition had received an enthusiastic response, with over 1 200 entries submitted across four groups: kindergarten, primary, secondary and open groups. Through crafting free verses, parents and students shared messages about facing challenges positively, building resilience, and promoting mental well-being in a light-hearted and lively manner.

Earlier, the adjudication panel selected20 outstanding entriesfrom each group for public voting of The Most Liked Award, which recorded a total ofover 10 000 votesacross all four groups. All entries shortlisted for the finals were outstanding works filled with wisdom for everyday living and insight. Following the live performance of their free verse poems by the finalists, the adjudication panel selected the winners of each group on the spot. The results and awards were announced and presented at the ceremony this afternoon.

The EDB aims to enhance the understanding of the Positive Parent Campaign among students, parents, and members of the public through activities under the Family Resilience Series and to promote the physical and mental health of parents and children, aligning with the 4Rs Mental Health Charter, to enhance students' sense of well-being and resilience, thereby enhancing the overall culture of health in schools.

For updates on the Positive Parent Campaign, please visit the Smart Parent Net website (www.parent.edu.hk/en).

EDB holds Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB holds Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB holds Parent-Child FUNtastic Free Verse Challenge Final cum Prize Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases