12-year-old returning from Foshan marks the first imported chikungunya case in HK
發佈日期: 2025-08-02 19:58
TVB News
Hong Kong has reported the first case of chikungunya fever this year, involving a 12-year-old boy who visited Foshan in Guangdong last month.
Some infectious disease experts say the government and the public should step up mosquito control measures.
In Foshan City in Guangdong Province, the first case of chikungunya fever was detected on July 8th in a traveller -- soon after, local outbreaks erupted. Shenzhen and Guangzhou have since confirmed new infections.
Hong Kong has now reported its first imported case of chikungunya fever since 2019.
The 12-year-old boy resides at On Tat Estate in Kwun Tong. Previously in good health, the patient visited Shunde in Foshan with his mother between 17th and 30th July. He had mosquito bites during outdoor activities. The boy also stayed overnight in Panyu district.
He returned to Hong Kong via the Futian border crossing on Wednesday and later developed a fever, rashes and joint pain.
He sought medical attention from a private doctor, who referred him to United Christian Hospital for admission.
A PCR test later confirmed he came down with chikungunya fever. He was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) says chikungunya fever is not a new disease with similar symptoms as those of dengue fever. It is mosquito-borne and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
CHP says daily social contact with the patient will not cause infection. The incubation period ranges from three to eight days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
What do residents think? This man expresses worries because of the lack of anti-mosquito facilities in the city.
This woman says she would apply mosquito repellent if she's out and about wearing shorts.
Infectious disease expert Professor Yuen Kwok-yung of the University of Hong Kong says the emergence was expected -- given frequent cross-border movement.
He urges all returning travellers from outbreak zones to monitor symptoms such as a fever, rash or joint pain and get a blood test immediately if symptoms emerge.
He warns that if the mosquito-borne virus takes hold locally, chikungunya can become endemic as the virus can persist through mosquito eggs, passing from one generation to the next.
In Hong Kong, the Asian tiger mosquitoes, also known as forest mosquitoes that are often carriers of dengue fever, are the most common vector.
From 2016 to 2019, Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 chikungunya fever cases each year. All were imported cases.
Extended Reading:
Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the Chikungunya virus, with clinical symptoms including fever, rashes and joint pains. The virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.
From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year, all of which were imported cases. There have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020.
The CHP has issued letters to all schools and institutions (including residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities) in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and remind operators to adopt preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
Members of the public are also reminded to take heed of the following advice on mosquito control: thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage; ccrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs; properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes in covered litter containers; completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week; install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary, or use mosquito screens or nets in indoor areas; avoid staying in shrubby areas; and take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the chikungunya fever 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.
