07/08/2025
【Public to Stay Vigilant amidst first imported chikungunya case this year】
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today confirmed Hong Kong’s first imported case of chikungunya fever (CF) this year. The case involves a 12-year-old boy residing in Kwun Tong who recalled a history of mosquito bites during his travel to Foshan in Guangdong Province from July 17 to 30. After returning to Hong Kong, he developed symptoms and is now in stable condition, with blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus. This is the first imported chikungunya case in Hong Kong this year and we call for heightened vigilance.
Chikungunya fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes carrying the CF virus. Major symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain. Although the symptoms are generally milder than those of dengue fever, it is important to prevent local transmission since local mosquitoes have not carried the CF virus. To prevent chikungunya from becoming endemic locally, the Department of Health has adopted multi-pronged measures including:
❇ Strengthening public education and publicity
❇ Stepping up control measures at boundary control points
❇ Enhancing local testing capabilities
❇ Arranging mosquito-free environment for treatments for patients
❇ Conducting epidemiological investigations and risk assessments on confirmed cases
❇ Intensifying mosquito prevention and control measures
The CHP urges the public to heed the following precautions:
✅ Maintain good environmental hygiene by eliminating stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding
✅ When doing outdoor activities, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and apply insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing
✅ After returning from affected areas, continue to apply insect repellents for 14 days upon return to Hong Kong, and closely monitor for symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rash. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and inform doctors of recent travel details. Members of the public should not self-medicate, especially with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these may cause serious side effects like increased bleeding risk.
Chikungunya fever is not transmitted from person to person through social contact, but it can be spread through mosquito bites. Everyone should remain vigilant, implement mosquito prevention measures, to protect the health of themselves and their families.
👉 Relevant press releases: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202508/02/P2025080200897.htm
