HONG KONG — Health officials in Hong Kong are intensifying vector control operations after confirming a new locally transmitted case of chikungunya virus, bringing this year’s domestic total to ten. The patient, a 67-year-old woman residing in the Kwai Tsing district, developed symptoms including joint pain, fever, and a rash between December 2 and December 5, according to a report released by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on Friday evening.
The woman sought treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital, where blood tests confirmed the infection. She is currently stable and admitted to a mosquito-free ward. Crucially, initial inquiries confirm she had no recent travel history, classifying the infection as locally acquired.
Focus Shifts to High-Risk Hiking Trails
Epidemiological investigations suggest the likely source of infection was the Tsing Yi Nature Trails area. The patient reported hiking there on November 29 with a household contact. Investigators noted a lack of movement overlap with previously confirmed cases, but the geographical link suggests the trail system is an active transmission hot spot, especially following reports of hikers being bitten by mosquitoes in the area.
This recent detection pushes Hong Kong’s overall 2025 chikungunya tally to 78 confirmed cases, with the overwhelming majority being imported.
The CHP has enacted immediate risk management protocols, placing close contacts under medical surveillance and offering health advice. Furthermore, the agency previously alerted approximately 130 primary care physicians in the Kwai Tsing area to maintain high vigilance for compatible symptoms and facilitate swift testing, which the government’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch is offering free of charge.
Inter-departmental Effort Increases Mosquito Abatement
In response to the elevated risk, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has dramatically ramped up targeted mosquito control measures along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails and surrounding areas. This comprehensive push involves multi-pronged strategies aimed at disrupting the mosquito life cycle:
- Adult Mosquito Control: Intensive fogging and the deployment of massive ultra-low volume sprayers are being utilized to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
- Technological Deployment: The FEHD is piloting robotic mosquito control devices to enhance the effectiveness of abatement efforts.
- Source Reduction: Crews are diligently clearing discarded containers and other refuse that can collect standing water—prime mosquito breeding sites. Larvicides and oil are being applied where standing water cannot be immediately removed.
The FEHD, collaborating with the Kwai Tsing District Office, the Lands Department, and the Drainage Services Department, has established an interdepartmental task force to coordinate efforts, specifically focusing on eliminating potential breeding grounds near the trails. Leaflets promoting personal protection and sanitation are being distributed to hikers.
Ongoing Surveillance and Public Advisory
The public, especially those who have recently visited northern Tsing Yi or hiked the nature trails and subsequently develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain, are strongly urged to seek medical attention immediately. Individuals can also contact the CHP inquiry hotline at 2125 2373 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Separately, investigations continue into a previously identified local installation involving a 23-year-old woman in Sheung Wan. Health teams continue to assess residents and workers in the Queen’s Road West area. The CHP has assessed over 2,700 individuals through various outreach methods; however, due to significantly reduced demand for services, the operating hours for the medical post at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre will be adjusted starting December 7. The intensified, territory-wide anti-mosquito operations initiated in July across Hong Kong remain in effect, underscoring the government’s commitment to controlling local transmission.