Hong Kong’s disease prevention authorities recently confirmed another imported case of Chikungunya fever, involving a 67-year-old woman returning from mainland China travel, underscoring the persistent risk of mosquito-borne illnesses despite the shift toward cooler weather. The case, confirmed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on November 30, involved a patient residing in the Yuen Long District who developed symptoms following recent trips to Guangdong province. This latest confirmation brings the total recorded cases for the region this year to 74, signaling the need for continued public vigilance and heightened public health measures.
The patient experienced joint pain on November 28 and sought treatment at Pok Oi Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. She has since been admitted to a mosquito-free ward and is currently in stable condition, according to CHP officials. Preliminary investigation revealed the woman traveled to both Zhongshan and Guangzhou between November 15–16 and again from November 20–23. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the Chikungunya virus in her blood sample.
The CHP assessed that the infection was acquired during these visits to Guangdong, classifying it as an imported case. All five household contacts and five travel companions linked to the patient’s trips remain asymptomatic and are currently under medical monitoring. The confirmed case has been duly reported to the Guangdong provincial health authorities as part of cross-border health communication protocols.
Global Context and Local Risk Assessment
Of the 74 Chikungunya cases reported in Hong Kong this year, 68 have been imported, while six originated locally. This local cluster is currently focused on the Tsing Yi area.
Internationally, the burden of Chikungunya remains substantial. From the start of 2025 through September 30, over 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases, along with 155 associated fatalities, were documented across 40 countries spanning the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Experts warn that global warming trends are contributing to prolonged mosquito breeding conditions in subtropical and even some temperate regions. These persistently higher temperatures mean outbreaks continue in multiple nations, maintaining a significant global transmission risk.
In response to both the imported case and recent local transmissions linked to Tsing Yi, the CHP has initiated immediate epidemiological investigations. Officials have collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to pinpoint the patient’s activity locations, facilitating targeted mosquito control interventions.
Heightened Monitoring and Public Action
Based on reports of mosquito bites among hikers, the CHP has specifically identified the Tsing Yi Nature Trails as higher-risk areas. Individuals who have visited Tsing Yi North or hiked these trails since November 23 are advised to watch for symptoms, which typically include fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash.
The CHP has urged anyone developing compatible symptoms to seek prompt medical attention and contact the Centre’s enquiry hotline at 2125 2373 (open daily, 9 am to 8 pm). Officials have also proactively alerted approximately 130 primary care doctors within the Kwai Tsing District to maintain vigilance, arrange appropriate blood and diagnostic testing, and leverage the available free diagnostic services provided by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
The CHP emphasizes that while surveillance is strict, the two recent local cases in Tsing Yi do not significantly alter the overall risk assessment, given the bolstered mosquito-borne disease control efforts now in place for all imported cases and active tracing within the district. Travelers are strongly advised to check health advisories related to mosquito-borne diseases before visiting any international destination.