Update on chikungunya fever
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Latest case information
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The first case involves a 69-year-old male living in Yuen Long District. A preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Yunnan between November 9 and 16. He developed joint pain on November 20. He developed a fever on November 22 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital on the same day. He was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and is now in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. The patient has one household contact and three other travel collaterals to Yunnan. They are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
　
The second case involves a 49-year-old female living in Kwai Tsing District. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Zhuhai and Zhongshan in Guangdong between November 2 and 5. She developed a fever, joint pain and rash on November 21. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday (November 22) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. She is now in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. The patient has three household contacts who are also travel collaterals to Guangdong Province. They are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
　　As the two patients have visited CF-affected areas for travel during the incubation period, the CHP preliminarily considered that the case was infected during his travel. The cases are classified as imported. The CHP will report the cases to the relevant health authorities.
Latest surveillance data
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Hong Kong has recorded a total of 70 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, four were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
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 comprehensive follow-up actions
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The CHP has recently recorded several imported cases residing in Kwai Tsing District who had a travel history within approximately two weeks before onset of illness. The CHP is conducting in-depth investigations and analysis of the movements the cases during their incubation and infectious periods, and has notified the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) of the places they visited for anti-mosquito operations.
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Preliminary investigations by the CHP revealed that some patients had been hiking in the area of Tsing Yi Nature Trails before onset. The CHP is performing genomic sequencing and analysis on patient samples to determine whether these cases are linked. As a precautionary measure, the CHP urges members of the public who have been hiking in the Tsing Yi Nature Trails area since November 1, and who subsequently develop relevant symptoms, to seek medical attention as soon as possible and call the enquiry hotline (2125 2373) previously set up by the CHP. The hotline will continue to operate daily from 9am to 8pm. The CHP will assess symptomatic individuals and arrange blood tests if necessary. The CHP's epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
- 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 to be taken by the public
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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/Sunday, November 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:12
Issued at HKT 20:12
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