HK reports new imported chikungunya case, investigates suspected infection

Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported one new confirmed imported case of Chikungunya fever and is investigating one suspected case, officials said on Friday. This announcement increases the total to five confirmed and one suspected case for the year.

The confirmed case involves a 66-year-old woman with chronic illnesses who resides in Shek Lei Estate, Kwai Tsing District. She traveled to Foshan, Guangdong, from July 24 to August 5, where she began experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain on August 6.

Following her treatment in the isolation ward at Yan Chai Hospital, her condition has stabilized. Health authorities have confirmed that her infection was contracted abroad, as she spent the entire incubation period in Foshan.

The suspected case concerns a previously healthy 22-year-old woman from Sai Wan Ho, who traveled to Madagascar from July 16 to 28, to Mauritius from July 28 to August 3, and to Malaysia from August 3 to 4.

She reported being bitten by mosquitoes in Madagascar and started showing symptoms including fever and joint pain from July 25. Although her test on August 4 returned negative, a sample taken on August 5 tested positive for Chikungunya antibodies, indicating a possible recovery.

A spokesperson for the CHP mentioned that both cases are not considered a risk for local transmission, highlighting that the younger patient was likely no longer infectious upon her return. Further testing will be conducted to see if the antibody levels have increased enough to confirm the infection.

The CHP has advised residents to eliminate stagnant water and to use mosquito repellent, especially when traveling to regions affected by the disease. They are continuing to monitor the situation and have informed mainland authorities about the case related to Foshan.