Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao collaborate to prevent and control mosquito-borne disease, Chikungunya fever
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Collaboration of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao on disease prevention and control
"Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have been working closely in communicable disease prevention and control, emergency response, and the co-operation mechanism for disease prevention and control. Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by the three places, the CHP has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province. Although no confirmed CF cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far this year, the increase in temperature and rainfall in summer is expected to aggravate mosquito infestation in Hong Kong. Additionally, people travel more frequently during summer holidays, including to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. Consequently, there is an increased risk of imported cases and local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as CF and dengue fever. Members of the public are advised to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Measures to cope with risk of importation of mosquito-borne disease
Dr Tsui added that, in order to cope with the risk of imported case of mosquito-borne disease, the CHP's Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Port Health Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner.
In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures.
In view of the recent outbreak of CF in neighbouring areas, the Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Its hospitals and clinics have also been reminded to step up mosquito control measures to prevent mosquito breeding. The CHP will continue to work closely and maintain communication with the HA to make timely response. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
The DH will continue to step up health education on mosquito-borne diseases, including disseminating travel health advice to travellers and enhancing public education on the prevention of CF through various online and offline channels. The interdepartmental Pest Control Steering Committee will convene a meeting tomorrow (July 23) to review the latest situation of mosquito proliferation and the anti-mosquito work of departments, and to plan for the anti- mosquito work for the future.
Information on CF
The symptoms of CF are similar to those of dengue fever. Patients with CF typically presented with fever and joint pain. Other common symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. While most patients recover on their own, in some cases, joint pain may persist for several months or even years. The mortality rate of CF is generally lower than that of dengue fever. From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year. All of which were imported cases. There have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020.
According to the World Health Organization, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. As of early June this year, over 220 000 cases had been reported in 14 countries/regions worldwide (including the Mainland, Taiwan and Singapore which are popular tourist destinations for Hong Kong citizens). Of these cases, about 80 were fatal.
According to the announcement of the Foshan Municipal Health Bureau, as of July 20, there were 2 285 CF confirmed cases in Foshan. The majority of cases (2 158 cases) were in Shunde District, primarily in Lecong, Beijiao and Chencun towns; 69 cases in Chancheng District, primarily in Shiwan Town, Zumiao and Zhangcha Street; and 58 cases in Nanhai District, primarily in Guicheng Street. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases so far. Regarding Macao, the first CF case this year was recorded on July 18. The patient travelled to Shunde during the incubation period and was classified as an imported case.
Ends/Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:45
Issued at HKT 19:45
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