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
Police College renews collaboration with three post-secondary education institutions to co-organise "DAE - Police Cadet Training" Programme
The Hong Kong Police College today (October 9) signed a second-phase Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Caritas Institute of Community Education (CICE), the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology (HKIT) to jointly organise the full-time "Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) - Police Cadet Training" Programme for the three academic years from 2027/28 to 2029/2030, with a view to providing practical knowledge and preparatory training for persons interested in joining the Force. Students who successfully complete the programme and pass the Police Constable selection process may commence foundation training at the Police College upon graduation.
Witnessed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Personnel), Dr Law Yuet-wing; the Director of the Hong Kong Police College, Ms Cheng Lai-ki, and the Secretary-General and Acting Head of the Diploma of Applied Education of the Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education, Dr Ma Chee-keung, the Senior Superintendent of Police, School of Foundation Training, Ms Tsang Chiu-tong, signed the second-phase MOU with the Principal of the CICE, Dr Wong Man-wai, the Vice President of the HKCT, Ms Li Wai-chi, and the President of the HKIT, Dr Shi Mei-chun.
The "Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) - Police Cadet Training" Programme lasts one year with a total of 600 contact hours. The three education institutions will be responsible for 420 contact hours, consisting of 300 contact hours of core courses (Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics) and two 60-hour complementary courses. The Hong Kong Police College will be responsible for the 180-hour "Police Cadet Training" elective cluster, which comprises three courses, namely "Police Studies", "Police Recruit Preparatory Training" and "Physical and Mindset Development".
Students who successfully complete the DAE programme would obtain qualification deemed comparable to the attainment of Level 2 standard in five subjects including Chinese and English Languages in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, which meets the academic entry requirements for Police Constable. The Hong Kong Police College will conduct the Police Constable selection process during the programme to facilitate admission of selected candidates, who may commence Recruit Police Constable foundation training upon graduation.
Applicants of the programme must be i) Secondary 6 school leavers or ii) aged 21 or above, who are interested in joining the Force. To join the Hong Kong Police Force, one must also be a permanent resident of Hong Kong. The first round of application will open in December 2026. To apply, please make online registration at the programme website (www.dae.edu.hk/daepublic/dae_enrollmentguide.aspx).
Police College renews collaboration with three post-secondary education institutions to co-organise "DAE - Police Cadet Training" Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Police College renews collaboration with three post-secondary education institutions to co-organise "DAE - Police Cadet Training" Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Police College renews collaboration with three post-secondary education institutions to co-organise "DAE - Police Cadet Training" Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Police College renews collaboration with three post-secondary education institutions to co-organise "DAE - Police Cadet Training" Programme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
