Hong Kong Enhances Ebola Preparedness Amid WHO Emergency Declaration for Congo and Uganda Outbreaks

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases

In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declaring that the Ebola disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 19) is continuing to collaborate closely with various stakeholders to implement a series of prevention and control measures, in accordance with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease (the Response Plan). These measures are intended to guard against imported cases and safeguard public health. While the immediate health impact of Ebola disease on the public health in Hong Kong is currently low, the CHP is fully prepared to respond to an outbreak should one occur. Members of the public are advised to avoid visiting affected regions unless absolutely necessary.

Latest information from WHO

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According to the latest report from the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 18, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported eight confirmed cases of Ebola disease, 395 suspected cases and 106 related deaths. Uganda has also reported two cases of Ebola disease and one related death.

Port health measures

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The CHP conducts health screenings for arrivals at all boundary control points. Although there are no direct flights between Hong Kong and the countries affected by the outbreak, travellers may transit via Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, en route to Hong Kong from Africa. Therefore, the CHP has immediately strengthened health screenings for passengers arriving on flights from Addis Ababa. Port Health Division officers conduct temperature checks and health screenings for passengers from these specific flights at the arrival gate of the air-bridge.

At the same time, notices have been posted in the airport's arrival area. The CHP has co-ordinated with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to broadcast announcements in the arrival hall. The CHP is also urging, through relevant airlines, passengers who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively declare their travel history to the Port Health Division officers upon arrival in Hong Kong for further health assessment. Regarding the isolation and referral mechanism for suspected cases, if an inbound traveller exhibits relevant symptoms and is assessed as a suspected case by the Port Health Division officers, arrangements will be made immediately to transfer the individual to the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre for isolation and examination. The individual will remain in isolation until the specimens test negative for the virus.

The CHP has also provided the AAHK and airlines with the latest information on the virus and urged airlines to remind their flight crews to strictly enforce established prevention and control measures if they identify suspected cases on their flights. Furthermore, the CHP has stepped up its publicity efforts at all boundary control points, including making public announcements and displaying posters, to remind travellers to be vigilant about Ebola.

Disease surveillance

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The CHP has sent a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to remind them of the latest situation of Ebola disease and to update the reporting criteria for suspected cases based on the latest epidemic information. Any person who has travelled to affected areas (including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda) within the past 21 days and exhibits relevant symptoms must be managed as a suspected case. The CHP urged doctors to remain highly vigilant and to immediately report any suspected cases to the CHP via the 24-hour hotline provided in the letter.

As of today, no confirmed or suspected Ebola disease cases have been recorded in Hong Kong.

In addition, the CHP convened a meeting yesterday (May 18) with representatives from the HA Head Office, Chief Infection Control Officer Office, and the HA's experts in infectious disease and clinical microbiology, to discuss various issues thoroughly, including the isolation and testing of suspected cases, infection control measures and quarantine arrangements for close contacts.

Quarantine facilities

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The CHP has also inspected the Penny's Bay Community Isolation Facility, which has been placed on standby mode, to ensure that it is ready for use as a quarantine facility should the need arise. Should a case be laboratory-confirmed as Ebola disease, the CHP will follow established protocols to trace contacts and arrange for their quarantine.

Public education

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The CHP will continue to enhance risk communication and health education for the public via various online and offline channels, including press releases, social media posts and media interviews. In addition, the CHP will meet with African non-governmental organisations (NGOs) tomorrow (May 20) to convey relevant health information to Africans living in Hong Kong via these NGOs. The CHP has also distributed health promotional materials at venues in Tsim Sha Tsui, where relatively more Africans stay.

The HKSAR Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Response Plan to safeguard public health. Relevant government departments are fully prepared and will closely monitor the development of the epidemic, adjusting prevention and control strategies as necessary.

As the current risk of infection is primarily concentrated in affected areas overseas, the CHP urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to affected countries and regions. Relevant travel advice has been uploaded to the Security Bureau's Outbound Travel Alerts webpage. The CHP will continue to closely monitor the latest overseas developments and the latest recommendations from the WHO, taking appropriate follow-up actions and implementing prevention and control measures based on risk assessments to safeguard public health.

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CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.

According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD's purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.

The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat's handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.

Mr Chan said, "The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD's supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations."

Mr Chan said, "The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government's work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection."

The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA's work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.

During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA's latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Mr Chan said, "Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise."

Mr Chan added, "The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government's commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society."

The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre

168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax: 2882 8149

Email: di490@ombudsman.hk

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases