CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
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Latest case information
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The case involves a 44-year-old male. He developed itchiness and a skin rash at his lower body from May 13 onwards and attended the Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) of the DH on May 18. The CHP subsequently arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he has not been vaccinated against Mpox and had high-risk exposure in a hotel in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case, will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him and will report the case to the World Health Organization.
Follow-up on the "Hutong" cases in Mong Kok
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In addition, the CHP continues to follow up on the two cases announced yesterday (May 25), and urges anyone who visited the premises on Shanghai Street on or after May 1, especially those who had sexual contact with strangers there, to call the CHP's designated Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373) as soon as possible, so that the CHP can provide health assessments and advice. The hotline operates daily from 9am to 6pm. As of 6pm today, the CHP has successfully contacted 140 persons who visited the premises on or after May 1. All are asymptomatic. The CHP has provided them with health education and will put them under medical surveillance. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises will be closed for 21 days starting from today.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 87 Mpox cases (70 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
Mpox vaccine
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Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
- individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
- healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
- laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
- animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.
High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks 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. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.
For more details, please visit the CHP's page on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.
Ends/Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:56
Issued at HKT 19:56
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