CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (August 29) 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 39-year-old male. He developed fever and neck lymphadenopathy on August 24, followed by oral lesion and rash over face, trunk, limbs and genital area. He attended a follow-up appointment due to his underlying illness at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on August 26, and was admitted for isolation and treatment on the same day. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his specimen tested positive for the Monkeypox virus. He will be transferred to the Princess Margaret Hospital later today to continue his isolation and treatment. He is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he had not received Mpox vaccination. He had high-risk exposure with two male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient. The CHP will also report the case to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 97 Mpox cases (77 local cases and 20 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 workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
- laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
- animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of 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
