CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 14) 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 general malaise, and rash on his palms, soles and genital area on September 9. He sought medical attention at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on the next day (September 10) and has been arranged by the CHP to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. 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 male strangers both overseas and 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 104 Mpox cases (82 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Since this August, the number of Mpox cases in Hong Kong has seen an increase. As at today, 20 cases have been recorded this year, including 15 local cases and five imported cases. Among them, 11 are new cases reported since August. Epidemiological investigations showed that among the 11 recently identified cases, all patients self-identified as men who have sex with men or bisexual men. No epidemiological links were found between the cases. All patients reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour during the incubation period, including having sex with strangers or having sex without a condom. The CHP has sent a letter to doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them to be vigilant for Mpox cases and to provide relevant recommendations regarding Mpox vaccination to high-risk individuals.
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
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):
Guy (Chair of Cathay Group, Mr Guy Bradley), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.
From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today's global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: "Pacific" expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit - starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards - is unmistakably Hong Kong.
For generations, Cathay has been part of life's most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.
Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government's support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay's role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people - their professionalism, perseverance and dedication - who helped turn confidence into recovery.
Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our "super connector" role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.
Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.
Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority's expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport's appeal - as both a gateway and a destination.
With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.
Cathay's plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.
As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.
In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.
Cathay's commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.
As Hong Kong's home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong's reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.
And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.
Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world - and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
