Hong Kong health authorities have ordered the immediate closure of the popular Tsing Yi Nature Trails due to heightened risk of Chikungunya virus transmission, following confirmation that five recently infected individuals visited the area. Effective immediately, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has suspended public access to the trails to allow for extensive anti-mosquito operations aimed at drastically reducing the viral threat.
The preventative measure was announced late Monday, December 9, 2025, after epidemiological investigations linked the localized cluster of cases to the hiking area. These five locally acquired infections, spanning two men and three women aged 49 to 67, displayed symptoms between mid-November and Tuesday, December 2, suggesting a sustained transmission chain within the vicinity. Crucially, several patients reported being bitten by mosquitoes while traversing the Tsing Yi pathways, and their visitation timelines overlapped significantly.
Intensified Vector Control Underway
The decision to close the trails signifies an escalation of public health controls. Despite ongoing anti-mosquito efforts conducted over the past several weeks, the emergence of further infections among trail visitors indicated that previous measures failed to mitigate the persistent transmission risk. This necessitated a more comprehensive, interdepartmental response.
During the temporary closure, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), in coordination with other government bodies, will implement intensified vector-control measures. This strategy focuses on both eliminating adult mosquitoes and disrupting breeding cycles. Key interventions will involve stepping up the frequency and scope of treatments, including extensive fogging operations targeting the immediate eradication of the virus-carrying insect population.
Authorities underscored that the closure is temporary but indefinite, lasting “until further notice.” The trails will remain inaccessible until health officials are confident that the risk of infectious disease transmission has been substantially neutralized. The CHP strongly advised the public to adhere to the closure order and avoid the area entirely for the time being.
Understanding the Threat: Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. Symptoms typically appear within three to seven days after being bitten and often include fever and severe joint pain, which can be debilitating and long-lasting. While rarely fatal, the disease presents a significant public health concern due to its capacity to cause large outbreaks and the prolonged impact of symptoms.
This localized outbreak highlights the continuous challenge Hong Kong faces in managing mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in lush, warm environments like the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. Health experts stress the importance of personal protection measures, even in areas without active closures.
Actionable Takeaways for Residents:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Routinely check and empty containers that hold still water (flower pot saucers, buckets) to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to product instructions.
The CHP and associated departments will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates on the progress of vector control work and the eventual reopening date for the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. This decisive action prioritizes public safety and aims to contain the outbreak before it spreads further into the community.