Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases releases consensus statement on prevention and control of chikungunya fever
******************************************************************************************
The consensus statement by the SCVBD provided a risk assessment for Hong Kong and recommended ongoing measures for the Government to mitigate the risk of CF imported cases and potential local transmission.
Risk assessment
CF is caused by the chikungunya virus and is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 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. Of these cases, about 80 were fatal. CF is endemic in parts of Asia, with concurrent circulation alongside dengue and Zika viruses. Since the end of June this year, there were over 7 000 cases recorded in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, with majority of cases occurring in Shunde District. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases.
A total of one CF case has been recorded in Hong Kong this year, which is an imported case. No local cases have been recorded. Due to the increase in temperature and rainfall in summer, mosquito infestation might be aggravated in Hong Kong. In addition, members of the public travel more frequently during summer holidays to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. As a result, Hong Kong has a high risk of occurrence of importation of CF cases again, leading to the potential risk of local transmission.
Recommended measures
The SCVBD endorsed the following ongoing and corresponding preventive and control measures implemented by the Government:
- Enhanced Surveillance: maintain close monitoring of global and neighbouring regions' CF situations, including keeping abreast of the latest situation of CF through the communicable disease notification mechanism between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Continue to update doctors and hospitals on the latest epidemiological information and remind healthcare professionals to remain vigilant.
- Laboratory testing: enhance local testing capabilities to ensure rapid diagnosis of suspected cases.
- Vector surveillance and control: departments to collaborate with relevant sectors to strengthen vector surveillance and mosquito control during the summer. Pay attention to high risk spots and follow-up. The Government should also explore the latest development of mosquito control methods.
- Case investigation and control measures: conduct prompt epidemiological investigations and vector surveys upon case detection; arrange patients to be admitted to hospital to receive treatment in mosquito-free environments.
- Port health measures and travel advice: maintain inspections at boundary control points for vector control and environmental hygiene; maintain close liaison with industry stakeholders and provide health advice to them; strengthen health education for outgoing and returning travellers to affected areas.
- Risk communication and publicity: disseminate information on CF and preventive measures through different channels, and provide schools and institutions with guidance on anti-mosquito measures.
- Vaccine effectiveness monitoring: there is so far insufficient scientific evidence on efficacy and safety of existing CF vaccines. The Government should monitor the latest recommendations from the WHO and overseas health authorities.
The SCVBD affirmed that Hong Kong's multi-pronged approach on emergency preparedness has effectively prevented local CF transmission to date. Sustained implementation of these measures is crucial to address the importation risk.
The consensus statement of the SCVBD has been uploaded to the CHP website.
Ends/Monday, August 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:06
Issued at HKT 21:06
NNNN