Hong Kong Warns Public About Rising Dengue Fever Cases and Mosquito Prevention Measures

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

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 24) announced the latest situation of dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF). As temperatures gradually rise and humidity increases, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, members of the public are reminded to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue fever

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From April 17 to yesterday (April 23), the CHP recorded three imported DF cases and one local DF case announced earlier. Of the three imported cases, two patients had travelled to Malaysia and one to Vietnam during the incubation period. Hong Kong has recorded 16 DF cases so far this year, including 15 imported cases and one local case. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, including 156 imported cases 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. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths were reported in 97 countries/territories.

DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. In 2025, Indonesia, India and Vietnam each recorded over 120 000 cases; Malaysia and Thailand each recorded over 50 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 4 000 cases.Meanwhile, as of April 19, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 69 cases in Guangdong Province this year, including four locally infected cases. Guangdong Province recorded over 3 500 locally infected cases in 2025.

Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP'swebsite.

Chikungunya fever

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From April 17 to yesterday, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, both of which were imported cases. Hong Kong 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. Meanwhile, as of April 19, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded three cases in Guangdong Province this year, including one locally infected case.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public

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Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether traveling or not, 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 Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (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

Hong Kong Geopark retains global geopark status

The 224th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO concluded on April 23, 2026. During the session, it was officially confirmed that Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark) has passed the revalidation and was awarded a certificate, allowing it to retain its global status for a further four-year period.

Hong Kong Geopark was designated as a National Geopark of China in 2009 and joined the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in 2011. Following the formalisation of the Geopark Programme by UNESCO in 2015, it was renamed Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. According to the guidelines, all UNESCO Global Geoparks must undergo a revalidation process every four years to assess their progress across various dimensions and ensure compliance with the high standards of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

In May 2025, Hong Kong Geopark underwent an on-site assessment by evaluators appointed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Secretariat. The evaluators reviewed the achievements of Hong Kong Geopark over the past four years and held detailed discussions with various stakeholders and partner organisations of Hong Kong Geopark.

At the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Chile in September 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council recommended that Hong Kong Geopark pass the revalidation with a "green card" while the GGN presented the Best Practice Award to Hong Kong Geopark in recognition of its contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Geopark's communities.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) welcomed the result, stating that conservation, education, green tourism and sustainable development are the primary objectives of Hong Kong Geopark. The AFCD will continue to promote science popularisation, green tourism and the sustainable development of the communities within the Geopark, while protecting Hong Kong's natural and cultural heritage.

Hong Kong Geopark is located in the eastern and northeastern parts of Hong Kong, comprising the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. Visitors can explore 13 designated attractions and two boat tour routes within the Geopark. Through various tourist facilities, including information panels, the Volcano Discovery Centre, the Geopark Visitor Centre, story rooms and heritage trails, visitors can explore the natural and cultural heritage of Hong Kong Geopark, and learn about the relevant conservation efforts on its behalf.

Source: AI-found images