Hong Kong health officials reported a new imported case of Chikungunya fever, raising the year’s total as global incidence surges, prompting enhanced public health surveillance and community outreach to mitigate potential transmission risks. The Centre for Health Protection confirmed the diagnosis in a 73-year-old Tung Chung resident who became symptomatic shortly after returning from mainland China, highlighting the continuous movement of the mosquito-borne illness across regional borders.
The patient, a man residing in Tung Chung, sought treatment at North Lantau Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department after developing characteristic symptoms, including fever and severe joint pain, on November 4th. The onset of illness occurred following his return from a trip to Foshan, Guangdong province. Subsequent laboratory analysis verified the presence of the Chikungunya virus, or CHIK, in his bloodstream. As is procedure for border health security, Hong Kong authorities officially classified the infection as an imported case and communicated the details to their counterparts in Guangdong for regional disease tracking.
This latest diagnosis marks the 59th confirmed case of Chikungunya fever in the territory this year. While the majority of cases have been imported, three unique local transmission events have occurred. Health officials are particularly focused on understanding the local spread; sophisticated genetic sequencing on a recent local case involving a 45-year-old patient revealed a viral strain noticeably different from both the current imported strains and previous transmission clusters identified in areas like Wong Tai Sin. This distinction suggests multiple, separate introduction and transmission sources are currently active within the region.
Enhanced Community Surveillance Efforts
In response to sustained community concern and the continued stream of imported cases, the Centre for Health Protection has significantly ramped up its surveillance and education efforts. Between November 3rd and November 6th, authorities assessed approximately 13,000 residents and workers in identified high-risk districts. These proactive assessments utilized multiple avenues, including dedicated health consultation booths, responsive hotline services, and direct community outreach teams.
During this comprehensive screening period, 14 individuals displaying mild symptoms warranting clinical investigation were referred for blood testing. Six of those results have returned negative for the virus, with eight results still pending confirmation.
The public health campaign is also heavily focused on education and prevention. Health guidelines and informational materials have been successfully distributed to over 10,000 households in key focus areas exhibiting high population density or increased case risk, including Mount Haven in Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung Plaza, and Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan.
Global Health Context
The current situation in Hong Kong is mirrored by escalating global Chikungunya activity. According to international surveillance data, the year 2025 has seen a significant surge, with a staggering 445,271 suspected and confirmed cases reported across 40 countries and territories worldwide since January.
Chikungunya fever, which is typically not fatal, is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same vector responsible for Dengue fever. Symptoms usually appear three to seven days after being bitten and can include high fever, severe joint pain—often debilitating—muscle pain, headache, and a rash.
Health officials strongly advise the public to adhere to rigorous mosquito control measures, especially when traveling to or returning from known endemic areas, including parts of Southeast Asia and increasingly, mainland China. Residents are urged to eliminate stagnant water sources around homes, use insect repellent, and ensure screens are intact to prevent bites. Citizens experiencing symptoms after travel should seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers of their recent movements.