Update on chikungunya fever
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Latest cases information
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The first case involves a 35-year-old female living in Eastern District. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Bali of the Indonesia between October 19 and October 24. She developed rash since October 22, and joint pain and fever the next day (October 23). She sought medical attention at a private clinic on October 27, and was admitted to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital yesterday (October 28) for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. Her household contact and her travel companions to Bali are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
The second case involves a 69-year-old male living alone in Kwun Tong District. A preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Zhongshan of the Guangdong Province alone between October 21 and October 26. He has developed fever and joint pain since October 26, and was admitted to the United Christian Hospital yesterday for treatment in a mosquito-free environment.
Their blood samples tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. They are now in stable condition. Since the two patients stayed in Indonesia and Guangdong Province respectively during their incubation period, the CHP considered that they were infected during travel. The cases were classified as imported. The CHP's epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and it will report the cases to the relevant health authorities.
Latest surveillance data
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Regarding the confirmed CF case involving a 55-year-old female with source of infection yet to be confirmed, the genome analysis is still under way.
So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 52 confirmed CF cases. Excluding the abovementioned case, there are one local case and 50 imported cases.
In addition, from October 26 to 5pm today, the CHP has conducted assessment for about 3 300 residents through the health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre and inquiry hotline. Among them, 31 individuals were found to have mild symptoms and they have been arranged to undergo blood tests. Laboratory testing is continuing, so far those samples that have completed testing are all negative for chikungunya virus.
Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.
Government's continuous comprehensive actions on prevention and control of CF
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The CHP continued to implement various prevention and control measures together with various Government departments and relevant organisations, striving to prevent CF from taking root locally and minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong.
The CHP will hold the second online live seminar at 8.30pm tomorrow (October 30). Doctors will explain the latest situation of CF, how to prevent infection and how to properly use insect repellents.
The CHP officers and District Services & Community Care Teams have distributed questionnaires and promotional leaflets to about 8 000 households in the district, and will continue to contact the residents, disseminate information, and understand and follow up their health conditions. The CHP has also issued letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and remaining them to be vigilant.
In addition, the CHP has set up an inquiry hotline (2125 2373) and the abovementioned health consultation booth. The hotline and health consultation booth will continue to operate from 9am to 8pm daily to provide assessment to residents with relevant symptoms and answer enquiries relating to CF.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year and it has been continued. Among which, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, these measures include:
- carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
- carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
- enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures taken by the public
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Severe symptoms and deaths caused by CF are extremely rare, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1 000. The occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients' underlying health conditions. Elderly persons (particularly those aged 65 or above), young children (particularly infants under 1 year old), pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease) are at higher risk of developing complications after contracting CF and may require a longer recovery period. Therefore, members of the public (especially the abovementioned high-risk groups) are advised to seek medical advice promptly if they develop relevant symptoms, particularly a fever, sudden severe joint pain and skin rash, after visiting areas affected by CF.
Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
- read the label instructions carefully first;
- apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
- apply on exposed skin and clothing;
- use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
- apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
- reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
- in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.
Ends/Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:51
Issued at HKT 18:51
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