Hong Kong confirms new monkeypox case, 660 high-risk individuals vaccinated in past month
A 41-year-old man has been diagnosed with monkeypox in Hong Kong, with high-risk sexual contact during the incubation period. The Centre for Health Protection reports 660 high-risk individuals received vaccinations in the past month.
Hong Kong has confirmed a new monkeypox case involving a 41-year-old man who had high-risk sexual contact both in the city and abroad during his incubation period, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said on 28 October. The source of infection remains under investigation, and the patient is in stable condition. The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations and will report the case to the World Health Organization.
The man developed swollen lymph nodes on 21 October, began experiencing a rash on 24 October, and visited a social hygiene clinic under the Department of Health on 26 October. He was subsequently admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment. Clinical samples tested positive for the monkeypox virus.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded 117 monkeypox cases, all involving male patients. Among 24 cases reported 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 had not received the monkeypox vaccine.
The CHP noted a significant rise in monkeypox cases during August and September, but after implementing a multi-pronged strategy to curb transmission, the number of new confirmed cases dropped markedly in October. Since late September, in addition to permanent government vaccination sites, the CHP set up an extra monkeypox vaccination centre at its headquarters and organised outreach vaccination services with relevant non-governmental organisations. Over the past month, 660 high-risk individuals received monkeypox vaccinations at both existing and additional vaccination points.
