As Hong Kong confirmed its first imported case of Chikungunya fever, the government has initiated mosquito control measures around the 12-year-old patient’s residence at On Tat Estate in Kwun Tong.
Dressed in full protective gear, workers were seen spraying insecticide in nearby grass areas and along road drains this morning, accompanied by staff from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to assess the local situation.
In addition, Kwun Tong district councilor Hsu Yau-wai and community care teams distributed “mosquito repellent bags” to encourage residents to adopt mosquito prevention measures.
Hsu said he received several concerns over the Chikungunya fever case in the community, noting that if the weather improves, mosquito control efforts will be strengthened, including fogging operations in the estate.
Reports indicate that the patient spent two weeks in Foshan before developing a rash, fever, and joint pain. The University of Hong Kong infectious disease expert Yuen Kwok-yung urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Foshan or Guangdong to reduce the risk of infection.
Amid the warnings, some citizens were spotted continuing to board direct buses to Foshan and Guangzhou at Prince Edward, expressing confidence that the local governments would manage the spread of the Chikungunya virus based on the current situation.
Lai, who prepared mosquito repellent patches and spray, stated that he is not feeling too worried about the Chikungunya fever, expecting minimal mosquito presence if staying in a hotel.
Law shared her preparation, which included insect repellent, long sleeves, and a mask for her trip, believing the risk is low if avoiding areas with large-scale outbreaks.
Echoing a similar view, Ng acknowledged the situation but expressed confidence in the mainland government’s mosquito control efforts.
The authorities reminded citizens returning from areas affected by Chikungunya fever to apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong, encouraging them to seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to a doctor if feeling unwell.
