CHP 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 9) 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 32-year-old male who developed a mild fever on August 29. He later developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, trunk, limbs and genital area. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical attention at a private clinic and the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 7. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with a male stranger in Hong Kong during the incubation period.

The second case involves a 28-year-old male who developed papules on his genital area since September 4. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on September 7. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure when he was outside 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 102 Mpox cases (80 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned two 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

Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum holds induction course to commence training activities

The Security Bureau (SB) today (October 24) began a two-day-one-night induction course for members of the new-term SB Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to launch training activities in the coming year for Hong Kong youth members and those from its partners, Shenzhen University and youth groups of public security forces of Macao.

Addressing the launch ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, introduced activities in the coming year and shared four key factors for success. He encouraged youth members to acquire knowledge across different fields, sharpen their communication and analytical skills, maintain an attitude to learn through practical application and establish a holistic outlook. He said that future development opportunities for young people are unlimited and encouraged members to seize the chances to broaden their horizons through next year's activities, nurture an affection for home and country, cultivate a global vision and service spirit, and translate what they have learnt into capital to contribute to the country.

Leaders from Leaders Forum's partners, the Vice President of Shenzhen University, Professor Li Meng, and the Director of the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao, Mr Wong Chi-fai, also delivered speeches at the launch ceremony.

The induction course was held at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Hong Kong. In addition to discipline, team-building and leadership training, the youth members also experienced simulation training of firemen and ambulancemen. Moreover, distinguished personalities from different sectors were invited to share their experiences in the induction course, including the Permanent President of the Leaders Forum, Mr Chan Hak-kan, who provided an analysis of irreplaceable skills in the AI era; and Hong Kong's female wushu athlete Juanita Mok, who shared her journey in learning wushu. Teacher of College of Social Sciences of Shenzhen University Mr Gao Wang and the Acting Director of the Research and Development Department of the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao, Mr Un Kim-fong, also gave talks at thematic seminars.

The SB established the Leaders Forum in October 2022 to deepen participation in youth work. There are 50 members from Hong Kong, 30 youths from Shenzhen University and 26 members from the youth groups of public security forces of Macao in the new term of the Leaders Forum.

Source: AI-found images