Hong Kong warns of measles risk as global cases surge due to low vaccination
The Centre for Health Protection warns that while Hong Kong's high vaccination rate keeps local outbreak risk low, imported cases from countries with low coverage pose a threat. Nine cases were recorded this year. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to get two doses before travelling.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health has reminded the public to take appropriate preventive measures against measles, as several countries experience outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage. The United States has recorded more than 4,800 measles cases this year, more than double the total for all of last year, with deaths reported in Pennsylvania and New York State, all among unvaccinated individuals. In Asia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Laos and the Philippines are also facing outbreaks linked to low immunisation rates.
Dr. Le-yan Xu, Director of the CHP, said the overseas cases mostly involved people who had never received the measles vaccine or whose vaccination history was unknown, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and herd immunity. Hong Kong's childhood immunisation programme, delivered through Maternal and Child Health Centres and the School Immunisation Team, has kept overall coverage above 95 per cent for two doses of the measles vaccine, and seroprevalence studies show that the vast majority of the local population is immune. As a result, Hong Kong has maintained its measles elimination status despite global outbreaks.
Dr. Xu noted that as an international travel hub, Hong Kong faces the risk of imported measles cases. Unvaccinated individuals, such as new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and students arriving in Hong Kong, could become infected and spread the virus to others without immunity, including infants under one year old who have not yet received their first dose.
Hong Kong has recorded nine measles cases so far this year: six imported or epidemiologically linked to imported cases, and three local cases. The imported cases involved patients who had travelled to Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam during the incubation period. Residents born before 1967 are considered immune due to natural infection from when measles was endemic. Those born in 1967 or later who have not completed two doses or whose vaccination history is unclear should consult a doctor to get vaccinated.
Travellers to areas with measles outbreaks should receive two doses of the vaccine at least two weeks before departure, unless they have laboratory-confirmed prior infection. Pregnant women without immunity, women planning pregnancy, and children under one year old who are not yet eligible for the MMR vaccine under the local programme are advised not to travel to outbreak areas. Symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes, with an incubation period of 7 to 21 days. Returnees from affected areas with symptoms should wear a surgical mask, avoid work or school, and seek medical attention promptly.