Hong Kong Investigates New Mpox Case, Urges Vaccination for High-Risk Groups

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (June 23) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.

The case involves a 44-year-old male. He developed a fever, pain and discharge in his lower body on June 11, followed by a rash on his face and trunk on June 17. During this period, the patient attended private clinics and a hospital on multiple occasions. On June 21, he attended a private hospital and was admitted for isolation treatment. He is currently in stable condition.

According to information provided by the patient, he has not been vaccinated against Mpox. During the incubation period, he had no travel history and had high-risk exposure at his home. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigation of the case, will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 92 Mpox cases (74 local cases and 18 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.

The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for highrisk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in caseof Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.

Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

For more details, please visit the CHP's page onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images

Vetting Committee supports another application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission announced today (June 23) that the New Industrialisation Vetting Committee (the Vetting Committee) under the Innovation and Technology Fund has supported in principle an application submitted by Eutron Fab Limited under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS). The project plans to set up micro-electro-mechanical systems wafer production lines which are under the advanced manufacturing technology sector. The estimated total investment amount is over $600 million, and the expected NIAS funding amount will be around $200 million.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government actively promotes development of the semiconductor and microelectronics industries in Hong Kong, with a view to advancing new industrialisation on all fronts. We are glad to see one more enterprise from the microelectronics-related sector participating in the NIAS to establish new advanced production facilities in Hong Kong. This not only injects new impetus into the local microelectronics industry, but also helps strengthen Hong Kong's microelectronics ecosystem. The HKSAR Government will continue to support relevant industries, enhance the industry chain, and drive economic growth."

The NIAS aims to provide funding support on a 1 (Government): 2(enterprise) matching basis for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance (i.e. life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technologies), and contributing no less than $100 million to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Each enterprise can receive up to $200 million of funding under the NIAS. In addition, the Government also provides additional funding for relevant enterprises to engage research talent and/or technical personnel.

The NIAS is open for applications throughout the year. Details are available on the website of the Innovation and Technology Fund (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images