CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
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The case involves a 44-year-old male patient with an underlying illness. He had developed a localised skin ulcer since May 7 and visited Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic of the DH on May 9. The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that his samples tested positive for the virus yesterday evening (May 10). He was arranged to be admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital and is now in stable condition.
An initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. According to the patient, he had high-risk contact during his visit to Hutong, a recreational premises on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, on April 29 night. The CHP's epidemiological investigations of the case are ongoing, including contact tracing and infection source investigation.
The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization. In view of the recent locally acquired confirmed Mpox cases, which involved men who have sex with men conducting high risk sexual practices, the CHP has earlier set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm. The CHP appeals to the public who have visited the above premises in Shanghai Street in the past two weeks, and those who suspect they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, to call the Mpox telephone hotline as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the CHP reminds the public, especially those subject to high risk of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. 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.
The CHP reminds members of the public that Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. Proper personal and hand hygiene can help prevent getting infected via contact.
The Government has activated the Alert level of the preparedness and response plan for the disease in September last year, reflecting a low immediate health impact on the local population. The Government will continue to assess the risk in view of the latest scientific evidence and situation, and implement corresponding control measures.
The Mpox vaccination programme for high-risk groups commenced on October 5 last year. Under the programme, the following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis:
- Individuals with high risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
- Healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox;
- Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
- Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong.
Currently, high-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's six Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS). Further information of the clinics including their locations is available at www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.html and www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcm.html.
Meanwhile, the DH's Integrated Treatment Centre in Kowloon Bay, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will continue to provide Mpox vaccination service for their clients.
For more details, please visit the CHP's page on Mpox.
Ends/Thursday, May 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:45
Issued at HKT 17:45
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