CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 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 26-year-old male who developed pseudo-pustules on his genital area on August 29, which subsequently spread to his face, limbs and trunk. He called the CHP's hotline on September 3 to report his health conditions to the CHP staff. The CHP immediately arranged the patient to receive isolation treatment at Tuen Mun Hospital. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his clinical specimen tested positive for the monkeypox virus. He is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he had two high-risk exposures with a male outside Hong Kong during the incubation period. The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization.
The CHP's investigation is ongoing.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 100 Mpox cases (79 local cases and 21 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:
- 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 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
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight
Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, InnoCarnival 2026 (IC 2026) is being held for nine consecutive days from today (October 24) to November 1 at the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. Public admission is free. Under the theme "Lead with I&T Dream to Fly High", this year's carnival not only showcases a number of exhibits of local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements, but also features an aerospace thematic zone to showcase relevant research projects of local universities and their contributions to the country's space exploration missions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that Hong Kong's strong frontier research capabilities, comprehensive financial services and world-class international talent together provide a complete pathway for turning ideas into industries. Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, announced by the Government last month, positions the Northern Metropolis as a hub for I&T industries, promoting the integrated development of education, technology, talent and industry to closely align university talent development and research with industry needs. The Government will also leverage Hong Kong's financial strengths to channel more patient capital into supporting research teams and start-ups as they progress from research and development (R&D) to application.
Mr Chan noted that I&T development ultimately depends on people, particularly the younger generation. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks and interactive experiences, IC 2026 enables members of the public to learn through hands-on participation. Citing the mobile food-waste paper machine that won the junior secondary division of this year's Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition, he encouraged young people to draw inspiration from everyday life and consider how to make the city a better place. He said, "The idea is not complicated, but with dedication to putting it into practice, even a small invention can make a big difference. The next invention to reach the world may well come from one of the students here today."
The campaign partners of IC 2026 are the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Meanwhile, over 40 programme partners, including local universities, R&D centres and government departments, are supporting the carnival by setting up booths at the Hong Kong Science Park, showcasing a series of I&T achievements and providing interactive games. Besides, about 150 workshops and over 10 webinars across various subjects including aerospace technology and AI will be held during the carnival.
All IC 2026 activities are free of charge. Some of the activities require pre-registration. Details are available on the thematic webpage (innocarnival.hk). Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public are most welcome to join. During the carnival, free shuttle bus services will be provided between the Hong Kong Science Park and various districts, including MTR University Station, Tai Wai Station, Kowloon Tong Station, and Admiralty Station, with new routes added this year to Yuen Long Station and Tseung Kwan O Station, offering convenient access for visitors.
Source: AI-found images
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
InnoCarnival 2026 exhibits I&T achievements to let dreams take flight Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
