Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH gears up for emergency preparedness in response to risk of Chikungunya fever imported cases
“CF is not transmitted from person to person, and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes carrying the CF virus. Aedes albopictus, which is ubiquitous in Hong Kong, can transmit CF. During the early stage after the onset of symptoms (especially when a fever is present), the blood of patients of CF and Dengue Fever (DF) contains a large amount of virus, which is infectious to mosquitoes. If they are bitten by mosquitoes during the communicable period, further local transmission via mosquitoes is possible. If mosquito infestation is serious, it may even lead to large-scale of local outbreaks. Therefore, early identification of infected persons and preventing them from mosquito bites during communicable period is vital in prevention of local transmission,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Emergency preparedness
Despite severe or fatal cases caused by CF is rare and the symptoms are milder than that of DF, and most patients recover on their own, as local mosquitoes have not carried the CF virus, we must strive to prevent CF from becoming endemic in Hong Kong. The Government has adopted multi-pronged emergency preparedness, including:
Collaboration on disease prevention and control
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have been working closely in communicable disease prevention and control and emergency response according to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration. Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by the three places, the CHP has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province.
The CHP’s Port Health Division steps up publicity and education efforts regarding CF at the BCPs, conducts more frequent inspections to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures, conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fevers or related symptoms will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP also maintains close liaison with relevant stakeholders such as airlines and the travel industry to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner.
Public education and publicity
The CHP will issue 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. The CHP and the FEHD will continue to provide advice on anti-mosquito measure to institutions.
The CHP will also hold online seminars this week to raise public awareness of CF and address related inquiries from the public. Details will be announced later on the CHP’s social media accounts, and the public is welcome to watch. The CHP has also set up mobile promotional booths at multiple locations across Hong Kong (including public markets, community health centres, and shopping malls) to educate the public on how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Details can be viewed at www.chp.gov.hk/en/other/events/476.html
Measures the public should continue to take
The CHP recommends that the public properly use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients to effectively prevent mosquito bites. The following precautions should be taken when using them:
Members of the public returning from areas affected by CF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to a doctor.
Latest situation regarding CF
According to the information from the Foshan health authority, as of July 26, there were over 4 700 cases in Foshan city. The majority of cases (4 210 cases) were in Shunde District. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases so far. Moreover, confirmed cases were also recorded in other cities in Guangdong Province recently. Regarding Macao, as of July 25, there were four imported cases of CF, three of them travelled to Foshan city during the incubation period.
There have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the dengue fever page of the CHPIssued at HKT 23:21
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