Hong Kong Investigates New Mpox Case; Urges High-Risk Groups to Get Vaccinated

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 10) 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 31-year-old male who developed a fever, sore throat and mild diarrhea on September 4. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tin Shui Wai Hospital on the same day and was immediately transferred to Pok Oi Hospital for treatment. During hospitalisation, he developed oral lesion and rashes on various parts of his body, including face, limbs, neck and genital region, and was arranged to receive isolation treatment. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his clinical specimen tested positive for the monkeypox virus. The patient is currently in stable condition.

According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposures with multiple 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 and report the case to the World Health Organization.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 103 Mpox cases (81 local cases and 22 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 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 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 onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images

Opening speech by SEE at APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing

Following is the opening speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing today (September 10):

Thank you, Chair.

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the National Energy Administration of China, for hosting the 16th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting, and for the hospitality.

Sustainability and prosperity can, and must, complement each other. To achieve both, we need to join forces and embrace innovative solutions.

Hong Kong, China is fully aligned with APEC’s goals to reduce APEC’s aggregate energy intensity by 45 per cent by 2035 against the 2005 level; and to double the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 compared to 2010. With concerted efforts of our community, as of 2023, the aggregate energy intensity in Hong Kong, China has already decreased by around 35 per cent from 2005.

Our carbon emissions peaked in 2014 and have already dropped by about a quarter. With a per capita carbon emission of around 4.41 tonnes in 2024, Hong Kong, China compares well with our counterparts among the more advanced economies. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions by half before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

Hong Kong, China continues to be the freest economy in the world, and a trusted common law jurisdiction. As an international financial centre, we are well positioned to promote green financing. The volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong, China amounted to around US$38 billion in 2025, ranking first in the Asian market for eight consecutive years.

As a global premier destination for hosting world-class mega-events, Hong Kong, China continually brings people together. Just earlier this week, we launched our third "Hong Kong Green Week" which is our flagship sustainability event to offer a platform to drive dialogues and collaborations on multiple issues ranging from climate resilience, green technology to green trade. And before long we will host another flagship event in October, the 21st Eco Expo Asia, which aims to bring global industry leaders and government representatives together to share, collaborate and innovate. Therefore, I would warmly invite all of you to visit our city and join the upcoming events this October.

Thank you, Chair.

Opening speech by SEE at APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases