CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 19) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case. Due to the recent increase in Mpox cases, the CHP strongly urged individuals who have engaged in high-risk sexual contact, particularly with strangers, to remain vigilant and take appropriate personal protective measures, including receiving the Mpox vaccination, and avoid close physical contact with anyone suspected of having contracted Mpox. Moreover, unsafe sexual contact can increase the risk of infection. The CHP has stepped up public education and outreach efforts, including setting up an Mpox hotline (2125 2373) to provide health assessments and advice to people concerned, strengthening Mpox prevention and control campaigns on social media platforms, and sending a letter to doctors across Hong Kong reminding them to immediately notify the CHP of suspected Mpox cases for follow-up.
Case details
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The case involves a 25-year-old man who developed on and off fever since September 2. Subsequently, he developed lymphadenopathy and rash over his genital organs, groin region, face and eyelids. He sought medical consultation at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on September 15 and 17 respectively, and was admitted to the QEH for isolation treatment on September 17. 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 multiple high-risk exposures in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient. The CHP will also report the case to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 110 Mpox cases (88 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, 26 cases have been recorded this year, including 21 local cases and five imported cases. Among them, 17 are new cases reported since August. Epidemiological investigations showed that among the 17 recently identified cases, all patients reported having sexual activities with 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 10 of these cases, patients reported using dating apps to find sexual partners.
Stepping up public education
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Epidemiological analysis shows that high-risk sexual contact between males (including having sex with unknown men or multiple partners without using condoms) is a risk factor for Mpox infection. 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 CHP also stepped up its Mpox prevention and control outreach on social media platforms (including dating apps), and will further coordinate and communicate with relevant non-governmental organisations to strengthen health promotion efforts for Mpox prevention among target groups.
Getting vaccinated to prevent Mpox
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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
