DH Breaks Hepatitis A Transmission Chain in MSM via Free Vaccination

2026-08-12 11:06 Last Updated At：14:37

DH successfully interrupts hepatitis A transmission chain among specific group by providing free hepatitis A vaccination to men who have sex with men

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) said that since the announcement in mid-March of a cluster of hepatitis A infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the subsequent launch of a vaccination drive offering two doses of hepatitis A vaccine free of charge to MSM, the number of hepatitis A cases involving MSM has continued to decline over the past few months to a low level. The transmission chain of this cluster is believed to have been interrupted and the risk to public health is now under control. In light of this, the CHP announced that the initiative to provide free hepatitis A vaccination to MSM will end on September 12 and the CHP's online booking platform will stop accepting vaccination appointments from MSM starting September 11. The CHP will notify individuals who have received the first dose but are unable to complete the two-dose vaccination series by September 12 regarding arrangements for their second dose.

During the six-month period from September 2025 to February 2026, Hong Kong recorded 24 cases of hepatitis A infection whose viruses were found to be genetically identical, involving 22 males and two females. Over 60 per cent of the male patients identified themselves as MSM. To control the transmission chain, the CHP has been providing two doses of hepatitis A vaccine free of charge to MSM since March 12, aiming to protect public health. As of July 31, more than 280 MSM had been vaccinated.

The number of hepatitis A cases among MSM has dropped significantly due to the CHP's multipronged measures, including enhanced public education and the provision of free vaccines to a specific group.

The CHP recorded five and two cases of hepatitis A infection in June and July respectively, representing a sharp decline from 15 cases recorded in January and a return to baseline levels. The CHP's epidemiological investigation showed that the patients in the past two months range in age from 21 to 83. Three of them identified themselves as MSM. Genetic analysis by the CHP revealed that no case recorded after June harboured the virus genetically identical to the aforementioned cluster of infections involving MSM. The CHP will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up actions.

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 literature indicates 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 affected at-risk groups. 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.

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

Hong Kong Delegation Explores Business Opportunities in Malaysia with Mainland Enterprises

SCED: Hong Kong as go global platform creates vast opportunities for both Mainland and Malaysian businesses

Led by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, a business delegation comprising representatives from Mainland enterprises, Hong Kong chambers of commerce and other organisations continued its visit to Malaysia today (August 12) to explore business opportunities, leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages as a strategic two-way gateway connecting the Mainland and Malaysia.

The visit is one of the outbound missions organised by the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) under Mr Yau's steer to enable Mainland enterprises looking to go global to visit overseas markets to gain a better understanding of the local market situation.

In the morning, the delegation attended a business seminar cum networking lunch organised by Invest Hong Kong. The event provided a platform for connecting the visiting Mainland delegates with potential Malaysian partners across sectors and for exchanging experiences among Mainland enterprises, local and Hong Kong business leaders and professional service providers on unlocking cross-border opportunities through Hong Kong.

Delivering his opening remarks at the event, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has always been serving as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" connecting the East and the West, and bringing together both capital and opportunities. With this strategic role, coupled with the many strengths of Hong Kong, the city is prepared to serve as the ideal springboard linking the Mainland and Malaysia.

On this note, Mr Yau shared with participants the work of the GoGlobal Task Force, set up last October to assist Mainland enterprises in expanding into overseas markets, including Malaysia, through Hong Kong, and the vast opportunities for Malaysian businesses and industries to join hands with Mainland counterparts wishing to establish a presence in Malaysia.

"For instance, Malaysian business and professional service providers will benefit from the new demand for services from incoming Chinese Mainland enterprises. Enterprises from both countries can form joint ventures and partnerships to jointly expand businesses in Malaysia and across the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, or reciprocally venture into the Chinese Mainland market," he noted.

"The key is that, we see new opportunities arising from collaboration and investment from Chinese Mainland companies, and this collaboration will translate into stronger bonding and mutual benefits that will be a win-win outcome for both countries."

Other guests attending the seminar included the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Sim Tze Tzin; the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau. The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, also attended and moderated a cross-professional forum.

Witnessed by Mr Yau and Mr Sim, Invest Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MIDA to enhance co-operation on the sidelines of the seminar. Members of the delegation also exchanged two MOUs with local enterprises and chambers of commerce separately.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Ant International, and met with Senior Vice President of the company and the Chief Executive Officer of Antom, Mr Gary Liu, to learn more about its latest development,particularly its innovative digitisation solutions empowering SMEs in Malaysia and also Mainland companies going global.Both sides also exchanged views on fostering partnership between Mainland and Malaysian enterprises via Hong Kong as a platform.

The delegation then proceeded to visit Hong Leong Manufacturing Group, one of the country's largest diversified conglomerates engaging in automotive, semiconductors and building materials businesses, where they met and had an exchange with the President of the Group, Mr Kwek Leng San, to learn more about the group's latest business strategy and the local market situation.

In the evening, Mr Yau had a dinner meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, Mr Liew Chin Tong, to get an update on the latest economic development of Malaysia and exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and ASEAN as a whole amid the change in the global economic landscape.

Mr Yau will attend the signing ceremony of an MOU between the Hong Kong Competition Commission and the Malaysia Competition Commission tomorrow (August 13) before returning to Hong Kong.

DH Breaks Hepatitis A Transmission Chain in MSM via Free Vaccination

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DH Breaks Hepatitis A Transmission Chain in MSM via Free Vaccination

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