Hong Kong Investigates Two Mpox Cases, Urges High-Risk Groups to Get Vaccinated

CHP investigates two confirmed Mpox cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 2) that it is investigating two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases, 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 first case involves a 38-year-old male. He developed ulcers on his genital area on August 19. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on August 31. According to information provided by the patient, he had sexual contact with his male partner in Hong Kong during the incubation period.

The second case involves a 34-year-old male. He developed a fever on August 27 and sore throat on August 29. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on the same day and was admitted for treatment. He further developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, neck, trunk, limbs, buttock and genital area, on September 1. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with three male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period.

Both of their clinical specimens were tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged them to receive isolation treatment at hospitals. They are currently in stable condition. No epidemiological linkages between these cases or confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the cases, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patients and report the cases to the World Health Organization.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 99 Mpox cases (79 local cases and 20 imported cases), including the above-mentioned cases. 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 high-risk 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 workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. 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 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 onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (September 2) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1 million.

A 39-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday (September 1). During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds and 108 duty-not-paid cigarettes inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases