CHP investigates two confirmed Mpox cases
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 16) that it is investigating two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases. In view of the recent increase in Mpox cases, the CHP strongly urges people who have engaged in high-risk contact, particularly with strangers, to heighten vigilance and take appropriate personal protective measures. They should strictly avoid close physical contact with anyone suspected of having contracted Mpox. The CHP also urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations to prevent infection with the Monkeypox virus.
The first case involves a 48-year-old man who developed lip ulcers on September 8 and subsequently fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. He sought medical attention at a social hygiene service (SocHS) clinic under the DH on September 11 and was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation treatment. He was found to have rashes on various parts of his body, including his hands, forearms and upper back, after admission to the hospital.
The second case involves a 30-year-old man who developed a fever, sore throat, rashes over various parts of his body (including genital areas, oral cavity, neck and fingers) on September 7. The patient sought medical attention at a private clinic and Accident and Emergency Department of a public hospital respectively. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical attention from a SocHS clinic under the DH on September 16.
Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, their clinical specimens tested positive for the monkeypox virus. Both patients are currently receiving isolation treatment at hospital in stable condition. According to information provided by them, both have had high-risk contact with other men respectively in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between these two cases, nor with other confirmed Mpox cases recorded earlier in Hong Kong, have been identified so far. The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations of the two cases, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with them. The CHP will also report these two cases to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 107 Mpox cases (85 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Since this August, the number of Mpox cases in Hong Kong has seen an increase. As of today, 23 cases have been recorded this year, including 18 local cases and five imported cases. Among them, 14 are new cases reported since August. Epidemiological investigations showed that among the 14 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 behaviours during the incubation period, including having sex with male strangers or having sex without a condom. In nine of these cases, patients reported having used dating applications to find sexual partners.
The CHP urges people who have engaged in high-risk sexual contact to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms associated with Mpox, such as a rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes. The CHP has set up an Mpox hotline (2125 2373) to provide health assessments and advice to people concerned, which operates daily from 9am to 6pm.
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
