CHP investigates a confirmed Mpox case (with photo)
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Case information
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The case involves a 43-year-old man, who learned about confirmed Mpox cases at a premises called "Hutong" on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok last month from the CHP's earlier press release. He visited "Hutong" on May 22 and had high-risk contact there. He subsequently developed ulcers on his genital area on June 1. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a male social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on June 3, and reported relevant high-risk contact history to the healthcare workers, who then arranged specimen collection from him for testing. His specimen tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.
According to the information provided by the patient, he had not received any Mpox vaccination. During the incubation period, in addition to visiting "Hutong" on May 22, he also had high-risk contact with some strangers at a hotel in Hong Kong on May 24. The CHP is conducting an epidemiological investigation, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him. As the patient had multiple high-risk contacts during the incubation period, the source of infection has yet to be ascertained.
The CHP will notify World Health Organization of this case.
Follow-up on the "Hutong" cases in Mong Kok
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The CHP continues to follow up on the investigation of the cases involving "Hutong", and will endeavour to contact individuals who visited the premises on or after May 1 to provide them with health education and conduct medical surveillance. To date, over 300 individuals who have visited the premises on or after May 1 have been successfully contacted, with one confirmed case identified so far. The CHP has provided them with health education and will continue to conduct medical surveillance.
The CHP again urges anyone who have visited the premises on or after May 1 to call the CHP's designated Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373), so that the CHP can provide health assessments and advice. The hotline operates daily from 9am to 6pm. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises has been closed temporarily starting from May 26.
Furthermore, the CHP has collaborated with Hong Kong AIDS Foundation to launch an outreach Mpox vaccination activity at the organisation's service centre in Mong Kok since last Saturday (June 6) until next Wednesday (June 17). Eligible high-risk groups (especially men who have sex with men) can make an appointment on the organisation's website.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 89 Mpox cases (72 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
Mpox
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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/Monday, June 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:52
Issued at HKT 21:52
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