Author: Cheung Wai-Man

A devastating five-alarm blaze tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on December 2, 2025, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 156 people and injuries to nearly 100 others, while also affecting hundreds of family pets. The catastrophic fire, which significantly impacted the residential estate currently undergoing major renovations, has drawn attention to the swift, chaotic nature of the destruction and the immense bravery demonstrated by several individuals, including a construction supervisor who sacrificed his life to save his colleagues.

The tragedy unfolded rapidly, with initial reports and video footage indicating the blaze began on the first-floor scaffolding of Wang Cheong Court, an adjacent block, before quickly spreading. Eyewitness accounts shared on social media platform Threads showed the fire intensifying dramatically in under a minute, propelled by materials used in the renovation work. The rapid conflagration sent burning debris showering down, rapidly engulfing the scaffolding and adjacent structures before emergency services could fully mobilize.

Among the confirmed fatalities are five contract workers involved in the renovation project. One particularly poignant story has emerged involving 71-year-old subcontractor supervisor, Mr. Lai, who has been hailed as a hero. According to reports from the site and a moving account shared by his son, Mr. Lai initially managed to escape the immediate danger. However, realizing the immediate peril facing his team, he reportedly alerted the arriving fire services before re-entering the burning structure.

His son confirmed that Mr. Lai made the conscious decision to return to encourage his co-workers to evacuate. Footage captured at the scene is thought to show his final moments before he ran back into the structure. Witness testimonies from surviving workers suggest Mr. Lai battled the flames to reach his colleagues, moving from the ground floor up to the tenth floor to ensure others fled the danger, before ultimately succumbing to the inferno.

Mr. Lai’s family spoke of their immense loss, describing him as the primary provider for their household. They also raised concerns about the distribution of aid, noting that while substantial support is being directed toward estate residents, construction workers and their families might be receiving comparatively less assistance, though they thanked various unions and groups for stepping in to offer help.

The Labour Department has launched a joint investigation with other relevant authorities regarding the industrial casualties. Officials confirmed the five deceased employees included three men and two women. Extending profound condolences and wishes for recovery, the department stressed that employers maintain mandated liability for compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance for staff injured or killed during the course of their work.

Authorities are actively contacting affected employers, injured workers, and the families of the deceased to offer guidance and support. This includes helping next of kin apply for crucial emergency relief and connecting them with the Social Welfare Department for broader support services. The department has established dedicated hotlines for work injury compensation inquiries, urging affected individuals and families to call 2150 6364 for injury cases or 2852 3994 for fatalities, as the community begins the challenging process of recovery and rebuilding. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the safety risks inherent in large-scale construction and renovation projects within densely populated residential areas.

After years evading international law enforcement, Chinese-Cambodian national She Zhijiang, the purported mastermind behind the notorious KK Park fraud enclave in Myanmar, has been extradited to China. Following his 2022 arrest in Bangkok, a Thai Court of Appeal upheld a Constitutional Court ruling on November 10, approving his compulsory transfer. She was subsequently flown from Bangkok on November 12, 2025, and taken into custody by China’s Ministry of Public Security, marking a significant victory in the global fight against transnational organized crime and online scam operations.

The extradition culminates the pursuit of a figure whose criminal enterprises allegedly spanned illegal gambling, telecommunications fraud, and human trafficking across Southeast Asia. She Zhijiang, who also used the names She Lunkai and Dylan She, leveraged sophisticated financial networks and carefully cultivated political influence to build his illicit empire, centered around the sprawling, fortress-like facility in Myanmar’s Kayin State.

Rise of a Ruthless Operator

Born in Hunan in 1982, She exhibited combative tendencies from a young age, dropping out of junior secondary school after moving to Guilin, Guangxi. Acquaintances from his youth described a volatile, controlling figure who, despite being a silent underperformer, demanded loyalty and used violence to enforce compliance. After years of drifting through various low-skill jobs, the early 2010s marked his entry into high-stakes criminality.

His ascent was fueled by illegal online activities. Case files from a 2012 unapproved lottery scheme, which he allegedly ran from the Philippines targeting mainland customers, detailed a highly organized operation involving customer acquisition, financial reconciliation, and the opening of hundreds of accounts using stolen identity data. This initial venture, which grossed millions of yuan, set the template for his later, more expansive enterprises.

Investigators allege that She initially amassed an estimated 150 million yuan through illicit online gambling, an activity that remained a core pillar of his criminal network for years, drawing in hundreds of thousands of Chinese bettors.

The KK Park Nightmare

By 2017, She had secured Cambodian citizenship and embarked on a noticeable rebranding effort, accumulating honorific titles and projecting a philanthropic image. He made high-profile donations, funded community projects in his home village, and appeared in photos alongside senior Cambodian officials, temporarily obscuring his true activities.

The culmination of his operations was the Asia Pacific New City, commonly known as KK Park, located near the Myanmar-Thailand border in Myawaddy. The location offered strategic advantages: proximity to regional financial and human trafficking routes, but distance from robust Chinese law enforcement. Crucially, the enclave reportedly operated under the protection of local militias, insulating it from outside intervention.

KK Park became infamous as a major hub for large-scale telecom fraud. Survivors and victims describe a brutal, factory-like environment where hundreds of workers—often lured under false premises—were forced to participate in elaborate online scams. Those who failed to meet quotas faced severe violence, including beatings, mutilation, electric shocks, and confinement. Disturbing reports suggest women deemed attractive were forced into prostitution, further underscoring the severity of the human rights abuses within the complex.

Justice Achieved Through International Cooperation

China requested She’s provisional arrest in August 2022. Thailand’s judicial process followed, resulting in the November 2025 appellate decision that cleared the final hurdle for his extradition.

She Zhijiang’s return to China is expected to facilitate comprehensive investigations into the full scope of his criminal empire, including the financing structures, the extent of his political influence, and the systematic human trafficking and abuse perpetrated within the KK Park facility. The successful extradition serves as a potent reminder of the escalating global collaboration aimed at dismantling transnational cybercrime syndicates preying on vulnerable populations.

HONG KONG — Will Power Architects Company Limited, a consultancy firm based in Hong Kong, immediately suspended and terminated all business operations on Monday, December 2, following escalating legal scrutiny related to a major housing estate repair project. The decision comes as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) intensifies an investigation into alleged corruption linked to refurbishment works at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where a recent No. 5 alarm fire drew significant public attention to the building’s maintenance history.

Consultancy Contracts Halted Following Arrests

The architecture firm, citing an inability to fulfill obligations under its existing consultancy contracts, announced the halt of all activities. This significant corporate action closely trails the ICAC’s announcement of multiple arrests connected to the alleged malfeasance at the residential estate.

The sweeping anti-corruption operation led to the apprehension of eight individuals, including seven men and one woman, aged between 40 and 63. Notably, four of those detained were staff members of Will Power Architects Company Limited, including two directors. A project manager was also among those arrested.

The focus of the ICAC investigation centers on potential irregularities and corruption during the extensive major repair works commissioned at Wang Fuk Court. The estate had recently been the site of a high-profile, serious fire, locally classified as a No. 5 alarm incident, which further spotlighted the quality and oversight of the ongoing renovation and maintenance projects.

Intensifying Scrutiny on Renovation Oversight

The suspension of Will Power Architects suggests the profound impact of the ongoing anti-graft investigation on the professional services sector in Hong Kong. Architectural and engineering consultancies often play key roles in advising on and overseeing large-scale public and private residential repair works, making them central to quality control and budgeting.

The ICAC’s continued inquiries aim to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption, particularly scrutinizing the relationship between company executives, project management personnel, and external contractors involved in the Wang Fuk Court project. Corruption in major maintenance schemes can jeopardize building safety, inflate costs for property owners, and erode public confidence in industry standards.

Broader Implications for Building Maintenance Sector

The abrupt closure of Will Power Architects serves as a powerful cautionary tale for the industry. The incident underscores the critical need for absolute transparency and robust internal controls within firms handling substantial real estate maintenance and repair contracts. Property owners, management companies, and regulatory bodies are frequently reminded that detailed oversight and ethical conduct are paramount to ensuring the structural integrity and inhabitability of high-density residential buildings in the territory.

As the ICAC investigation continues, further details regarding potential charges and the ultimate impact on the remaining repair works at Wang Fuk Court are anticipated. This case will likely prompt broader discussions among professional bodies about procurement practices and ethical responsibilities in large-scale infrastructure and maintenance projects across Hong Kong.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that she is recommending comprehensive travel limitations on specific foreign nations, asserting these countries are fueling criminal activity within the United States. This proposed crackdown, unveiled following a high-profile shooting incident in Washington, D.C., signals an intensified focus on immigration enforcement by the administration. The recommendation, reportedly discussed with President Donald Trump, involves a potential ban targeting countries alleged to be sources of violent offenders and welfare dependents, though specific nations have not yet been publicly identified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The announcement was amplified across government channels, solidifying the administration’s commitment to tightening border and entry controls. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that this initiative would broaden existing restrictions previously enacted on what the administration terms “third world and failed state” nations. Earlier this year, in June, 19 countries, primarily located in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, were subjected to full or partial immigration curbs.

Catalyst for Policy Change

Secretary Noem’s urgent policy recommendation immediately followed a fatal shooting in Washington last Wednesday that took the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Authorities identified the alleged perpetrator as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated during the previous administration to resettle individuals who aided American forces during the two-decade deployment in Afghanistan. Reports indicated that the suspect had experienced mental health challenges after arriving in the country.

In response to the incident, Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, immediately halted decisions on asylum applications to implement stricter vetting procedures. Edlow stated the pause would remain in effect until screening processes could be maximally enhanced. Furthermore, President Trump directed a review of green cards issued to migrants from the 19 countries previously targeted for immigration curbs. The president has publicly contemplated a permanent cessation of migration from all nations categorized as “third world” and publicly linked refugees to social dysfunction.

Implications and International Response

The administration’s renewed push follows its continued efforts during the second term to implement large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants, reduce refugee quotas, and challenge birthright citizenship.

The proposed bans and review processes have drawn immediate reactions from community organizations and international bodies. The Afghan Community Coalition of the United States extended sympathy to the victims’ families but emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, characterizing the attack as the isolated act of an individual. The coalition urged the U.S. government to ensure the incident does not result in harmful delays to legitimate Afghan immigration claims.

Internationally, Reuters reported that the United Nations called upon the United States to uphold its international obligations concerning asylum seekers. As the DHS prepares to clarify which nations will face these sweeping travel restrictions and when they might be implemented, stakeholders await the formal details of a policy shift expected to significantly alter the landscape of U.S. immigration and entry.

Hong Kong authorities have detained a mainland woman linked to a sophisticated online donation fraud that exploited public sympathy following the devastating Tai Po fire. The arrest, made on December 1, 2025, stems from a swift police investigation launched after a fraudulent website, impersonating a legitimate social welfare group, attempted to illicitly solicit funds for disaster victims.

The case began last Saturday when police received notification about a scam proliferating online. The perpetrators had swiftly pivoted to exploit the recent tragedy, setting up a bogus site designed to mimic a trusted charity and capitalize on community efforts to assist those affected by the Tai Po incident. Although no specific victims of the fraudulent scheme have yet been identified, the swift action underscores the vigilance required during periods of intense public need.

The Hong Kong Police Force acted decisively, immediately engaging the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) to facilitate the rapid removal of the malicious website. Simultaneously, officers coordinated with financial institutions to secure and subsequently freeze activity in a suspected “mule account” used to funnel the stolen donations.

Detainment and Impersonation Tactics

The suspect, a 27-year-old woman identified as a two-way permit holder from the mainland, was apprehended on suspicion of being the owner of the implicated bank account. The arrest provides a tangible link to the operation, although the investigation into the broader network behind the scam is ongoing.

Police officials strongly condemned the exploitation of profound community grief, emphasizing that criminal elements frequently emerge during crises. These schemes often involve the sophisticated impersonation of official bodies, including established social welfare organizations, animal rescue groups, and even, disturbingly, relatives of emergency personnel, such as fallen firefighters.

Lam Kin-tat, Assistant District Commander (Crime) for Wan Chai, expressed the force’s strong disapproval of criminals attempting to profit from public compassion during times of tragedy. He affirmed the police commitment to relentlessly pursuing all individuals involved in such calculated scams.

Safeguarding Charitable Donations

This incident serves as a critical reminder for the public to exercise extreme caution when committing funds online, particularly during high-profile disaster relief efforts.

Here are essential steps to ensure your donations reach verified recipients:

• Verify Official Status: Always donate through recognized, official channels. Cross-reference the organization’s name and website URL with established charity registries or government listings.
• Avoid Unsolicited Links: Do not click on donation links received via unverified emails or social media messages. Navigate directly to the charity’s official homepage.
• Scrutinize Payment Details: Be wary if banking links or account names appear suspicious or do not precisely match the organization’s name.
• Check for Security: Ensure the donation page URL begins with “https://” and displays a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection.

Commander Lam urged Hong Kong residents eager to contribute assistance to victims to use only verified and transparent platforms. The immediate apprehension in this case highlights the robust systems in place to combat online financial crime, yet vigilance remains the public’s best defense against disaster-related fraud. Authorities anticipate the investigation will reveal further details about the scope and organization of the scam network.

Hong Kong residents gathered across the city on Monday, the seventh day of mourning, to commemorate the victims of the devastating five-alarm fire that recently engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The somber tributes included the public opening of a dedicated memorial hall at Kowloon Funeral Parlour and an outpouring of community solidarity near the site of the tragedy, highlighting the profound emotional impact of the loss on the city.

The Kowloon Funeral Parlour established a dedicated space for condolences and tributes. The hall, marked by a sign reading “Forever Remembered,” featured arrays of white floral arrangements, candles, and designated areas for offerings. Mourners arrived early, queuing to pay their respects and leave bouquets before the hall officially opened to the public. This spontaneous demonstration of grief underscored the residents’ desire for a centralized location to collectively process the tragedy.

Community Rallies Near Fire Scene

Simultaneously, local residents convened near the fire site at the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area. This impromptu memorial location saw citizens placing flowers, observing moments of silence, and engaging in traditional acts of remembrance, such as folding paper cranes. Beyond tangible tributes, many attendees offered solace and support to survivors and families directly impacted by the loss, fostering a crucial sense of togetherness during a difficult time.

The tragedy prompted immediate and critical support from funeral service providers. A spokesperson for Kowloon Funeral Parlour confirmed that the facility is actively assisting the bereaved families. Recognizing the sensitivity and complexity surrounding disaster fatalities, the parlour took extraordinary measures to facilitate traditional funerary rites.

Specialized Post-Mortem Assistance

In a critical effort to allow traditional ceremonies to proceed with dignity, the funeral parlour enlisted a specialist mortuary reconstruction practitioner from Taiwan. This expert’s role is specifically to undertake the meticulous process of restoring human remains where feasible.

“We received requests for assistance from families, and our priority is to enable them to conduct traditional rites with intact bodies if possible,” the spokesperson stated. They added that the level of public sympathy has been deeply moving, noting numerous online inquiries from citizens seeking guidance on how to deliver offerings to the memorial hall.

When restoration is not possible due to the extent of the damage, necessary procedures will be followed, including sealing caskets prior to burial. This commitment to both specialized care and adherence to cultural traditions offers essential closure for families facing unimaginable loss.

This widespread, coordinated response—from the rapid deployment of specialized mortuary skills abroad to the grassroots community support in local parks—demonstrates Hong Kong’s resilience and commitment to honoring those lost, ensuring that the victims of the Tai Po fire will indeed be forever remembered. Moving forward, authorities and community groups will focus on providing long-term psychological and financial support to the survivors and affected families.

Hong Kong’s disease control authority reported another imported case of Chikungunya fever this week, involving an elderly female who recently returned from mainland China, underscoring the ongoing risk of international disease transmission despite colder seasons in parts of the world. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed that a 64-year-old woman residing in Eastern District tested positive for the arbovirus on December 2. She had traveled to Guangzhou, Guangdong, between November 21 and 27. She developed symptoms, including fever and joint pain, on November 30 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where she remains in stable condition under mosquito-free isolation.

The patient’s three household contacts are under medical surveillance, though currently asymptomatic. Given her travel history during the incubation period, the CHP has classified the infection as an imported case and notified health authorities in Guangdong.

This latest confirmation brings the total number of Chikungunya cases in Hong Kong this calendar year to 76. The vast majority are imported, with only seven classified as local infections. This consistent influx mirrors a broader global trend. International health data indicates that from the beginning of 2025 through September 30, nearly 445,300 suspected and confirmed cases, alongside 155 fatalities, were reported across 40 countries spanning the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Experts attribute the sustained global transmission risk to persistently higher temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions, which enable continuous mosquito breeding throughout the year.

Intensified Focus on Local Transmission Risks

The CHP continues to actively investigate local transmission risks, particularly following recent cases linked to the Tsing Yi area. Authorities launched immediate epidemiological probes and are collaborating with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to implement targeted mosquito control measures. Reports of heightened mosquito activity along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails have led to the location being flagged as a high-risk zone.

Since November 23, the CHP has strongly urged individuals who have recently visited Tsing Yi North or hiked the Nature Trails to immediately seek medical attention if they develop any fever or joint pain. Two individuals who contacted the CHP’s dedicated inquiry hotline (2125 2373) with compatible symptoms underwent testing, both yielding negative results for the virus.

Furthermore, the CHP has taken proactive steps to engage the healthcare network. Approximately 130 primary care doctors in the Kwai Tsing District have been alerted through the Primary Healthcare Commission to maintain heightened vigilance for characteristic Chikungunya symptoms and facilitate testing where necessary. The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch is offering free diagnostic services to support this crucial surveillance effort.

Vector Control and Traveler Precautions

Government departments are reinforcing vector control measures following all imported case confirmations and are actively engaging in community outreach to identify any further cases in affected areas.

The CHP strongly advises Hong Kong residents and visitors to review the health risks prevalent in their intended destinations before travel. While abroad, individuals should consistently use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535, wear long-sleeved clothing, and secure accommodations with proper window screening to minimize exposure to mosquitoes, which transmit the Chikungunya virus. Reducing contact with potential vectors remains the most effective defense against this and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Epidemiological investigations into the recent transmission patterns are ongoing.

Hong Kong authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden collapse and hospitalization of a 48-year-old mainland Chinese visitor earlier today near the Aberdeen waterfront. The incident occurred on Aberdeen Praya Road, prompting an urgent police response and raising questions about the visitor’s welfare.

The Hong Kong Police Force received a report at 10:16 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, alerting them to a person who had collapsed near a public facility along the bustling waterfront promenade. A female caller contacted officials after discovering the individual lying unconscious on the ground.

Emergency services, including paramedics, quickly arrived at the scene. They found the woman in a comatose state and immediately transported her to the nearby Queen Mary Hospital for urgent medical intervention and specialized care.

Hospitalization and Permits

Initial police inquiries revealed that the casualty, identified as a 48-year-old woman, is a visitor from mainland China. She was reportedly in possession of a Two-way Permit, the document required for mainland residents to enter and exit Hong Kong.

Police have launched an official investigation to determine the specific cause of the Medical emergency and rule out any foul play. At this stage, the police have not released further details regarding potential factors contributing to her collapse, such as pre-existing medical conditions, environmental influences, or accidental injury.

Focus on Visitor Safety and Support

The incident highlights the extensive visitor traffic in areas like Aberdeen Praya, a key thoroughfare and historic fishing port area popular with both locals and tourists. While such medical emergencies are relatively uncommon, they underscore the need for effective public safety monitoring and rapid response protocols in densely populated urban centers.

Authorities are seeking to contact the woman’s family or relevant consular offices to provide updates on her condition and coordinate support. The investigation remains ongoing as officers attempt to establish a timeline of events leading up to the collapse.

The case serves as a broader reminder for visitors, especially those travelling alone, to remain vigilant of their health and surrounding environment while exploring unfamiliar locations. Hong Kong’s extensive network of public hospitals and emergency services is well-equipped, but prompt reporting of emergencies remains crucial. Further updates are expected once medical teams clarify the woman’s specific condition and diagnosis.

Meteorological agencies across China have issued widespread blue alerts for a severe cold wave and accompanying high winds, advising residents to brace for rapidly falling temperatures as a powerful Arctic air mass sweeps across the nation. The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) renewed the alerts, confirming that the frigid front, which originated in the north, is now tracking southward, bringing disruptive weather patterns to large segments of the population.

The severe cold event began manifesting over the weekend, starting in China’s northern provinces. The NMC reported that regions including Inner Mongolia and large sections of the northeast have already experienced significant temperature declines, ranging from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius. Certain localized areas, particularly those in the far north, endured even more precipitous drops of 12 to 14 degrees Celsius within a 24-hour period.

Cold Front Advances South and East

Forecasters indicate that the cold front is expected to continue its eastward and southward trajectory through at least Wednesday, intensifying the cold conditions and generating widespread gales. This combination of sub-freezing temperatures and high winds significantly increases the risk of travel disruption and structural hazards.

The NMC’s chief forecaster, Yang Shunan, provided critical safety guidance for the public. Recognizing the potential threats posed by the extreme weather, officials urged citizens to prioritize warmth and restrict unnecessary outdoor excursions.

Specific safety recommendations include:

• Mitigate Exposure: Wear multiple layers of protective clothing to prevent hypothermia.
• Limit Travel: Avoid non-essential outdoor activities, especially during peak wind periods.
• Structural Safety: Remain vigilant and steer clear of temporary roadside structures, such as unsecured billboards or scaffolding, which pose an increased danger during high-wind events.

Conditions are tentatively forecast to moderate slightly starting Thursday, allowing temperatures to slowly begin rebounding across the affected regions.

Understanding China’s Weather Alert System

The current blue alert is the lowest tier in China’s comprehensive, four-level, color-coded weather warning system. This system is designed to provide immediate, actionable information to government agencies and the public.

The color hierarchy is structured as follows, indicating escalating severity:

• Blue: Alerts the presence of potentially disruptive weather.
• Yellow: Signals moderate risk and the need for preparedness.
• Orange: Denotes significant danger requiring substantial protective measures.
• Red: Represents the most severe, life-threatening weather conditions, often mandating immediate action or evacuation.

The renewal of the cold wave alert underscores the vast reach and intensity of this particular Arctic outbreak. Local governments are coordinating efforts to ensure vulnerable populations have access to heating and shelter, and they are advising agricultural sectors to take necessary precautions against potential crop damage from the deep freeze. As the cold front advances, residents across central and southern China should anticipate a sudden onset of winter weather and prepare accordingly over the coming days.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) in Hong Kong is currently investigating an imported instance of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, prompting officials to reinforce the critical need for meticulous personal, food, and environmental hygiene practices among the public to mitigate intestinal illnesses. The affected individual is a 14-year-old boy who recently returned from an overseas school trip.

The case involves a male teenager with no preexisting health conditions who experienced initial symptoms—specifically diarrhea and abdominal discomfort—on November 16. He sought medical consultation from a private physician two days later, on November 18, and was not hospitalized. Laboratory analysis of a stool sample subsequently confirmed the presence of STEC. The boy has since fully recovered.

Epidemiological investigations indicate the teenager participated in a school excursion to Bali, Indonesia, between November 10 and November 15. This period aligns directly with the typical incubation window for STEC infection. Authorities confirmed that none of the 33 accompanying students or teachers, nor the patient’s home contacts, have reported symptoms. The CHP is actively monitoring the health status of these close contacts and continuing its detailed investigation into the source of the infection.

STEC infections, a class of bacterial illness, are infrequently reported in Hong Kong. Surveillance data collected by the CHP reveals that the region typically records between one and six cases annually from 2020 to 2024. Including this latest instance, three STEC infections have been logged in 2025 thus far. Officials stress that there is no evidence suggesting an upward trend or unusual clustering of cases currently.

Understanding STEC Transmission and Prevention

STEC infection is primarily contracted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria. Common culprits include raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables that have been insufficiently washed. Additionally, person-to-person transmission can occur via the faecal-oral route—highlighting the importance of hand hygiene—as can exposure to contaminated recreational or drinking water sources.

To effectively guard against STEC and other acute gastrointestinal infections, the CHP advises the public to adhere strictly to several key hygienic practices:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before preparing meals, eating, and after using the restroom.
• Food Safety: Ensure all food is cooked to proper internal temperatures, particularly meat.
• Produce Preparation: Rinse all raw fruits and vegetables extensively under running water before consumption.
• Dairy Caution: Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Water Safety: Confirm drinking water sources are safe, especially when traveling.

This investigation reinforces that while STEC cases are rare, vigilance—especially concerning food and water intake during international travel—remains crucial for public health protection. The CHP will continue to track the health of all individuals potentially exposed during the school trip.