HK investigates new monkeypox case; 117 total since 2022
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection is investigating a new monkeypox case involving a 41-year-old man. Since 2022, 117 cases have been recorded; recent cases linked to high-risk sexual behaviour and dating apps. Authorities urge vaccination and contact tracing.
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a new monkeypox case involving a 41-year-old man who developed symptoms starting 21 October and tested positive on 26 October. He is in stable condition at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The patient reported high-risk sexual contact in Hong Kong and abroad during the incubation period. The source of infection remains under investigation, and the case will be reported to the World Health Organization.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded 117 monkeypox cases – 91 local, 25 imported, and one under investigation – all in men. Of the 24 cases recorded since August, all patients reported high-risk sexual behaviour during the incubation period, including sex with strangers or multiple partners and unprotected sex. Most had not received a monkeypox vaccine.
CHP noted that recent local cases often involved the use of dating apps to find male partners. Some patients could not be reached for contact tracing. In response, the CHP has boosted prevention messages on social media and works with dating app operators to push monkeypox prevention and vaccination information to all Hong Kong users.
Authorities urge people with high-risk sexual contact – especially with strangers – to take precautions, including getting vaccinated and avoiding risky behaviour. They also advise keeping partners' contact details to facilitate tracing if needed.
Since late September, the CHP has added a vaccination centre at its headquarters and held outreach sessions with NGOs. In the past month, 660 high-risk individuals received the vaccine. Studies show two doses reduce infection risk by 82 per cent and, in Hong Kong, reduce virus spread to other body parts by 87 per cent.
The CHP monkeypox hotline (2125 2373) operates from 9 am to 6 pm daily. The public is reminded that monkeypox does not spread through air or casual contact. Anyone with symptoms such as rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes should seek medical attention immediately.
