Hong Kong confirms mpox case as health officials boost vaccination efforts
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection reports a new mpox case involving a 33-year-old man. Officials are enhancing vaccination and prevention measures, urging high-risk individuals to get vaccinated.
The Centre for Health Protection of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is investigating a confirmed mpox case involving a 33-year-old man. He developed a rash on his genitals on 21 October, followed by fever, with the rash spreading to his chest and limbs. He sought treatment at North District Hospital on 30 October, where he was admitted for isolation and is now in stable condition. His clinical samples tested positive for the mpox virus at the Centre's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk sexual contact with men in Hong Kong during the incubation period. The Centre is continuing its epidemiological investigation and will report the case to the World Health Organisation.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded 118 mpox cases, including 92 local cases, 25 imported cases, and one case under investigation, all of which have involved men. Epidemiological investigations show that among the 25 cases recorded since August, all patients reported high-risk sexual behaviour during the incubation period, including sex with strangers or multiple partners, and sex without condoms. Most patients had not received the mpox vaccine.
Local cases since August have frequently involved the use of specific dating applications to find male sexual partners. Some patients could not be contacted after diagnosis, hindering contact tracing. The Centre has intensified mpox prevention messaging on social media and through dating app operators, pushing regular notifications on prevention and vaccination to all Hong Kong users.
Health officials urge individuals with high-risk sexual contact, especially with strangers, to take precautions including getting vaccinated and avoiding high-risk sexual encounters. Residents should keep contact details of partners to facilitate contact tracing if needed.
Since late September, the Centre has added a vaccination centre at its headquarters and partnered with non-governmental organisations for outreach services. From 28 September, 792 high-risk individuals received mpox vaccine at various sites. Studies show two doses reduce infection risk by 82 per cent and, based on local data, reduce spread to other body parts by 87 per cent. The mpox hotline (2125 2373) operates daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for health assessments and vaccination appointments.
The Centre reminds the public that mpox is not transmitted through air or droplets, nor through social contact. Those with symptoms such as rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle pain, or severe headache should seek medical attention immediately and avoid activities that could expose others to rash or bodily fluids.