Hong Kong Reports Fourth Locally Acquired Chikungunya Case as Imported Tally Reaches 57
68-year-old woman with no recent travel history listed as local infection, authorities intensify mosquito control efforts
Hong Kong’s health authorities have confirmed a fourth locally acquired case of chikungunya fever, bringing the total number of confirmed infections this year to 61, including 57 imported cases.
The case involves a 68-year-old female resident of Tung Hei Court in Shau Kei Wan, who developed joint pain on November 10 and a fever with rash the following day.
She sought emergency medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on November 11 and tested positive for the chikungunya virus.
Preliminary investigation found no travel history in the previous two months and no overlap with the residential or activity zones of previous cases.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has initiated full genome analysis to determine whether the patient is linked to earlier infections.
In response, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) implemented intensive fogging within a 250-metre radius of the residence, removed stagnant water, applied insecticides and enhanced public education campaigns.
The public has been urged to take precautions such as changing water in flower-pot saucers at least weekly, disposing of containers that collect water, and using effective insect repellents.
Pregnant women and children are advised use DEET-based repellent up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children, with sunscreen applied before repellent where both are used.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are present in Hong Kong and bite during daylight hours.
The CHP emphasises the risk of local transmission once a traveller returns infected and mosquitoes spread the virus.
The department continues surveillance, urges individuals with fever, rash or joint pain since October 1 to contact the hotline 2125 2373 or attend the consultation booth in affected districts.
The emergence of multiple local cases signals that despite the majority of recent infections being imported, local mosquito-borne transmission has now been confirmed.
Authorities are monitoring for further cases while intensifying vector control and public-health education.
The case involves a 68-year-old female resident of Tung Hei Court in Shau Kei Wan, who developed joint pain on November 10 and a fever with rash the following day.
She sought emergency medical attention at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on November 11 and tested positive for the chikungunya virus.
Preliminary investigation found no travel history in the previous two months and no overlap with the residential or activity zones of previous cases.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has initiated full genome analysis to determine whether the patient is linked to earlier infections.
In response, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) implemented intensive fogging within a 250-metre radius of the residence, removed stagnant water, applied insecticides and enhanced public education campaigns.
The public has been urged to take precautions such as changing water in flower-pot saucers at least weekly, disposing of containers that collect water, and using effective insect repellents.
Pregnant women and children are advised use DEET-based repellent up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children, with sunscreen applied before repellent where both are used.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are present in Hong Kong and bite during daylight hours.
The CHP emphasises the risk of local transmission once a traveller returns infected and mosquitoes spread the virus.
The department continues surveillance, urges individuals with fever, rash or joint pain since October 1 to contact the hotline 2125 2373 or attend the consultation booth in affected districts.
The emergence of multiple local cases signals that despite the majority of recent infections being imported, local mosquito-borne transmission has now been confirmed.
Authorities are monitoring for further cases while intensifying vector control and public-health education.
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