CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (August 5) 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 31-year-old male. He developed a rash over his genital area on July 27. He then attended the DH's Male Social Hygiene Clinic on August 3. Since he reported a history of high-risk exposure, healthcare personnel arranged specimen collection from him. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his specimen tested positive for the Mpox virus. The CHP has arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he had multiple high-risk exposures with male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient and report the case to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 94 Mpox cases (75 local cases and 19 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:
- 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;
- healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;
- laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
- 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 webpages on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.
The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image
Record of discussion of meeting of Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Currency Board Sub-Committee held on July 2
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
(Approved for Issue by the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee on July 15, 2026)
Report on Currency Board Operations (April 23 - June 22, 2026)
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The Currency Board Sub-Committee (Sub-Committee) noted that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) traded within a range of 7.8289 - 7.8397 against the US dollar (USD) during the review period. The HKD remained broadly stable, with fluctuations largely driven by flows related to Southbound Stock Connect and other capital market activities. While HKD interbank rates (HIBORs) generally tracked their USD counterparts under the Linked Exchange Rate System, they were also influenced by the local supply and demand of HKD funding. The overnight HIBOR recorded occasional upticks, reflecting month-end and capital market-related funding demands, while HIBORs at longer tenors increased modestly during the reporting period. The Convertibility Undertakings were not triggered and the Aggregate Balance was stable at around HK$54 billion. No abnormality was noted in the usage of the Discount Window. Overall, the HKD exchange and interbank markets continued to trade in a smooth and orderly manner.
The Sub-Committee noted that the Monetary Base increased to HK$2,072.94 billion at the end of the review period. In accordance with the Currency Board principles, all changes in the Monetary Base had been fully matched by changes in foreign reserves.
The Report on Currency Board Operations for the review period is atAnnex.
Monitoring of Risks and Vulnerabilities
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The Sub-Committee noted that in the US, the economy had sustained its growth momentum, supported by robust artificial intelligence (AI) capital expenditure and resilient consumption. However, the energy-related inflation driven by the prolonged Middle East conflict, coupled with a stronger-than-expected labour market, had reignited concerns about potential Federal Reserve rate hikes. Meanwhile, growing fiscal sustainability concerns had led to a surge in long-end yields, adding further pressure on the fiscal position down the road.
The Sub-Committee noted that in Asia-Pacific, regional economies showed solid growth in Q1 despite the Middle East conflict, partly due to robust AI-driven exports. Yet, the energy shock had boosted regional inflation, which together with the downward pressures on some regional currencies, prompted several regional central banks to raise their policy rates significantly.
The Sub-Committee noted that in the Chinese Mainland, despite strong AI-driven external trade, overall economic growth moderated and key domestic activities missed expectations in April and May. The housing market remained generally soft, but top-tier cities performed relatively better. Although producer price inflation rose notably amid the global energy shocks, consumer price inflation remained subdued. Overall, risks to Q2 economic growth were tilted to the downside.
The Sub-Committee noted that in Hong Kong, economic growth accelerated in Q1, driven by broad-based strengthening in both domestic and external demand, with the momentum continuing into Q2. Inflation picked up but stayed in check, while the labour market remained broadly stable. Meanwhile, the housing market maintained its upward momentum, supported by positive market sentiment. The commercial real estate markets remained under pressure, though there were some signs of improvement in the Grade A offices in prime districts. Looking ahead, the economy was expected to remain resilient, although the outlook remained subject to downside risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, the sustainability of the AI investment boom, evolving global trade policies and the US policy rate path.
Fast Interface for New Issuance (FINI) and the HKD Interbank Market During Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
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The Sub-Committee noted a paper that examined how FINI helped reduce IPO-related interbank fund transfers and moderate short-term HIBOR fluctuations.
Source: AI-found images
