Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed two new imported cases of Chikungunya fever on November 21, 2025, involving two women who recently traveled to mainland China, highlighting the continuing risk of vector-borne disease transmission from regional hotspots. Both patients, residents of the Kwai Tsing District, were admitted to local hospitals in stable condition, while the CHP announced the closure of a community consultation booth established following an earlier local case in Shau Kei Wan, citing consistent negative test results. Simultaneously, health authorities provided updated figures on dengue fever, emphasizing the sustained global and regional threat posed by mosquitoborne illnesses.
Imported Cases and Contact Tracing Underway
The first confirmed Chikungunya case involves a 53-year-old woman who visited Zhongshan, Guangdong, between November 2 and 4. She sought treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital after experiencing joint pain, a rash, and a fever commencing around November 19 and 20. The second patient is a 60-year-old woman who traveled to Shenzhen on November 17, developing symptoms—joint pain and rash—by November 19. Both blood samples tested positive for the Chikungunya virus, and the cases are provisionally categorized as imported due to the patients’ recent travel approximately two weeks before symptom onset within the virus’s typical incubation period.
Epidemiological investigations are actively tracing contacts. The 53-year-old has eight contacts—three household members and five travel companions—all currently asymptomatic. Among the 60-year-old’s two household contacts who accompanied her to Shenzhen, one reported mild joint pain and has been referred for further testing and medical surveillance. The CHP has committed to notifying Guangdong health authorities regarding the confirmed infections.
Shau Kei Wan Surveillance Efforts Conclude
Following a recent local case involving a 68-year-old woman in Shau Kei Wan’s Tung Hei Court, the CHP initiated extensive community surveillance and public awareness campaigns. These efforts included distributing prevention leaflets and conducting questionnaire surveys amongst approximately 3,000 households in the vicinity to reinforce symptom awareness and environmental hygiene practices.
A health consultation booth and inquiry hotline were established to assess residents. As of 5 p.m. on November 21, over 4,950 individuals had been assessed through various channels. Crucially, no new symptomatic persons have been identified in the last six days. Four individuals with earlier mild symptoms underwent blood testing, all returning negative results for Chikungunya. Consequently, due to low recent attendance and negative findings, the consultation booth is scheduled to cease operations; however, the public inquiry hotline (2125 2373) will remain active daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To date, Hong Kong has logged 67 Chikungunya cases in 2025, comprising four local infections and 63 imported cases.
Global Dengue Threat Persists
Concurrent with the Chikungunya updates, the CHP reported one new imported case of dengue fever between November 14 and 20, related to recent travel to India. This brings the total number of imported dengue cases in Hong Kong for 2025 to 54. Authorities stress the elevated global incidence of dengue, referencing World Health Organization data indicating a sharp rise in cases over the past two decades.
Globally, 2024 saw the highest recorded incidence, exceeding 14 million cases. The trend continues into 2025, with over four million cases and more than 3,000 related deaths reported across 97 countries and territories between January and July. Popular regional destinations remain hotspots:
- Indonesia, India, and Vietnam have each reported over 90,000 cases this year.
- Malaysia and Thailand have each exceeded 40,000 cases.
- Singapore has reported over 3,500 cases.
Mainland China is also experiencing significant transmission. The Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 3,339 locally acquired cases this year, with peak activity between November 3 and 9 in cities like Chaozhou, Shenzhen, Shantou, Guangzhou, and Foshan.
The sustained outbreaks of both Chikungunya and dengue emphasize the critical need for robust mosquito control measures and constant public alertness, particularly for residents traveling to or returning from affected regions. Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever, rash, or joint pain after returning from high-risk areas.