HK confirms first chikungunya case in 12-year-old boy with Foshan travel history

Hong Kong health authorities have confirmed the city's first chikungunya case this year in a 12-year-old boy who recently traveled to Foshan, the epicenter of Guangdong province's ongoing outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease.

The patient developed fever, rash, and joint pain shortly after returning from Foshan and was initially admitted to United Christian Hospital. 

After testing positive for chikungunya via nucleic acid test, the boy was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for further care. Health officials confirm he is currently exhibiting only mild symptoms.

The confirmation comes as Guangdong battles a significant chikungunya outbreak, with Foshan particularly affected. 

The viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes debilitating symptoms including high fever, severe joint pain, and rash. 

(Updated at 5.08pm)