CHP Investigates Hepatitis A Cluster Among MSM, Urges Vaccination for High-Risk Individuals

CHP investigates cluster of hepatitis A infection involving men who have sex with men

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (March 11) investigating a cluster of hepatitis A infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). The CHP encourages high-risk individuals, including MSM, to receive two doses of hepatitis A vaccine. The CHP will issue a letter to doctors reminding them to remain vigilant about hepatitis A cases and to provide relevant recommendations on hepatitis A vaccination to high-risk groups.

Cluster information

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"Through routine surveillance, epidemiological investigations and genetic analysis, the CHP recorded 24 cases of hepatitis A infection where the virus detected harboured an identical genetic sequence, over the past six months (from September 2025 to February 2026), involving 22 males and two females. Epidemiological investigations revealed no overlap in their residences or restaurants patronised by the patients. They were aged between 18 and 55. At least 14 of them identified themselves as MSM, accounting for over 60 per cent. The CHP cannot rule out the possibility of an epidemiological link between the infection sources of this cluster and male-male sexual contact," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

Hepatitis A vaccination

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Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contaminated hands before eating. The virus can also be transmitted through high-risk sexual contact. The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14 to 28 days, though it can last up to 50 days. Due to the long incubation period, symptoms such as fever, malaise, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea and jaundice may not appear until one to two months after infection.

"Scientific literatures indicate that, apart from foodborne transmission, hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred among MSM populations in many regions worldwide in the past. Due to the long incubation period, outbreaks transmitted through person-to-person contact tend to persist longer. Between 2015 and 2017, Hong Kong also experienced hepatitis A transmission chains involving MSM, which were successfully interrupted by vaccinating the groups at risk. According to the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the CHP, individuals in high-risk groups (including MSM) should consult their doctors about receiving hepatitis A vaccination to protect their personal health. In light of the recent cluster among a specific group, the CHP will offer an appointment service starting from tomorrow (March 12) to provide MSM with two free doses of hepatitis A vaccine with an aim to control the transmission chain. The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster and cautiously consider the epidemiological situation and transmission risks when determining the duration of the ad hoc vaccination service. Given the relatively long incubation period of hepatitis A infection, the transmission chain within a specific group may persist for several months to a year," Dr Tsui said.

Starting today, MSM with Hong Kong resident status who wish to receive the hepatitis A vaccine or seek further health information may call 2125 2683. The CHP will make an assessment and arrange vaccinations for those in need. The hotline operates Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Vaccinations will be administered at the following DH premises (appointments must be made via the above hotline):

• Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (6/F, Tang Chi Ngong Specialist Clinic, 284 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai);

• Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic (4/F, Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Polyclinic, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei);

• Fanling Social Hygiene Clinic (6/F, Fanling Health Centre, 2 Pik Fung Road, Fanling); or

• Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (7/F, Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Polyclinic, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei).

The CHP will continue, through its Red Ribbon Centre and in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, to raise awareness and provide education on hepatitis A prevention to MSM, and to encourage them to receive timely vaccination.

For more information on hepatitis A, please visit the CHP's website.

Photo source: reference image

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products

In response to claims that prohibiting the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs) in public places would deter tourists from visiting Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (April 30) issued the following statement:

Hong Kong has prohibited the import, sale and possession of ASPs for commercial purposes, including e-cigarettes and heat sticks since April 30, 2022. For the past four years, all inbound travellers, including tourists, have been legallybarred from bringing e-cigarettes and heat sticks into the city, and such products have not been available for purchase locally. The ban taking effect today simply extends regulation to cover possession in public places. In practice, no additional restrictions are being imposed on tourists.

Regarding suggestions that the new measure will discourage tourists from visiting Hong Kong, the spokesman stressed that such claims completely overlook the fact that the importation (including carrying into Hong Kong) and sale of e-cigarettes and heat sticks have already been banned for four years. Extending prohibition to possession will not affect tourists’ willingness to visit Hong Kong. Instead, it is the rumour-mongers who are spreading false information, misleading the public and visitors, causing unnecessary alarm and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation. The spokesman urged all sectors to work with the government to convey accurate information to tourists and prevent misleading messages from damaging Hong Kong’s image as a healthy travel destination.

The World Health Organization has clearly identified the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Hong Kong is not alone in prohibiting ASPs. Currently, more than 30 jurisdictions worldwide ban e-cigarettes, and over 10 ban heated tobacco products. Thailand and Singapore implemented comprehensive bans as early as 2014 and 2018 respectively, without adverse impact on their visitor numbers. In fact, the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong have continued to rise from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating that public health protection and tourism development can coexist.

Members of the public and tourists may visit the website of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) for detailed information and frequently asked questions. TACO has also adopted a multipronged publicity approach to disseminate relevant information to tourists, including:

producing promotional leaflets (see Annex) for tourists to help tourists to understand the new tobacco control measures. Relevant promotional materials are displayed and distributed at all border control points and visitor centres of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, ensuring that tourists are informed immediately upon arrival;

coordinating with the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Shenzhen Customs District and Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection to strengthen the promotion of Hong Kong’s latest tobacco control measures at Shenzhen ports, including displaying information on large electronic screens on the mainland side of the ports;

coordinating with airlines to make in-flight announcements about the new measures; and

conducting promotional activities on social media, at boundary control points and at major tourist attractions to remind the public and visitors to comply with the law.

Hong Kong welcome visitors from all over the world to experience the city’s healthy and vibrant appeal.

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH responds to comments about alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases