Hong Kong’s health authorities confirmed an imported case of chikungunya virus this week, underscoring the necessity of stringent mosquito-avoidance measures for international travelers amid ongoing global outbreaks. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) verified the case on November 18, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 64.
The latest patient is a 26-year-old man from the Yau Tsim Mong District who recently returned from a solo trip to India. He reported developing a fever on November 8, followed by debilitating joint pain the next day. After seeking treatment at Kwong Wah Hospital, laboratory tests confirmed the chikungunya infection. The man, who remains in stable condition, has been isolated in a mosquito-free ward to prevent local transmission. Since his exposure occurred entirely during his travels, the CHP classifies this as an imported case and has taken steps to notify the relevant health authorities overseas.
Global Infections Prompt Travel Vigilance
The majority of Hong Kong’s 64 confirmed chikungunya cases this year—50 of them imported—reflect the significant international spread of the virus.
Chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne illness often presenting with severe joint pain, fever, headache, and rash, continues to present a global threat. Comprehensive global surveillance data indicates alarming transmission rates: from the start of 2025 through September 30, nearly 445,300 suspected and confirmed cases, alongside 155 related deaths, were recorded across 40 countries spanning the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
In mainland China, regional data from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration shows a promising decline in recent infections, though vigilance remains crucial. Between November 9 and 15, Guangdong logged 48 new cases, a substantial drop from 107 in the preceding week. The majority of these mild cases were reported in Jiangmen (14) and Shenzhen (12), with no severe or fatal outcomes registered.
Local Health Response and Community Outreach
While focusing on newly imported cases, the CHP continues intensive follow-up on previous local infections, particularly an earlier case involving a 68-year-old woman in Tung Hei Court, Shau Kei Wan. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to pinpoint the source of that local transmission.
In response, the CHP and local Community Care Teams have mobilized an extensive public health campaign. Teams distributed educational leaflets and conducted household questionnaires for approximately 3,000 residences adjacent to Tung Hei Court. These efforts emphasize identifying symptoms and reinforcing hygiene best practices to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. The CHP specifically urged residents near the affected area who developed symptoms like fever, joint pain, or rash since October 15 to seek immediate medical advice or contact the health authority hotline.
Furthermore, a health consultation booth established at the Hing Tung Shopping Centre provided assessments for over 4,900 people through consultation, surveys, and door-to-door visits. Encouragingly, no new symptomatic individuals were detected in this area in three days, and subsequent blood tests for four individuals with earlier mild symptoms all returned negative results for chikungunya.
Essential Actions for Travelers
Given the active outbreaks affecting multiple nations, public health experts stress that preparation is travelers’ first line of defense. Before traveling to known endemic areas, individuals should consult the latest epidemiological reports for their destinations.
To minimize the risk of infection, travelers must adopt stringent mosquito-avoidance measures:
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE).
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, especially during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk).
- Ensure accommodation uses air conditioning or has screened windows and doors.
- Upon return, monitor for symptoms for at least two weeks. Seek prompt medical care if any fever or joint pain develops.
Due to the decline in both inquiries and attendance at the Shau Kei Wan consultation booth, and uniformly negative test results among attendees, operational hours will be adjusted beginning November 19. The public can view the updated schedule on the CHP website. Continued proactive surveillance and community education remain critical tools in mitigating the risk of local outbreaks.