Hong Kong records two imported cases of chikungunya fever

Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed two imported cases of chikungunya fever on Tuesday, both involving patients who had recently traveled to areas where the mosquito-borne disease is endemic.  

The first case involves a 10-year-old boy from Sha Tin District. Preliminary investigations revealed that he traveled to Foshan, Guangdong Province, on August 16 and was bitten by mosquitoes during his stay. 

He returned to Hong Kong on August 20 and developed symptoms, including fever, rash, and joint pain, on August 24. 

The boy sought treatment at the Prince of Wales Hospital Accident and Emergency Department on August 25 and was admitted for care in a mosquito-free environment. 

His condition is currently stable, and laboratory tests confirmed a positive result for the chikungunya virus. 

Three household contacts, including one who accompanied him to Foshan, remain asymptomatic and are under medical surveillance.  

The second case involves a 31-year-old woman from Sham Shui Po District. 

She visited Indonesia from August 8 to 23 and reported mosquito bites during her trip. 

She developed a fever on August 23 and joint pain the following day after returning to Hong Kong. 

She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital Accident and Emergency Department on August 25 and is receiving treatment in a mosquito-free setting. 

Her blood sample also tested positive for chikungunya virus. 

Four household contacts have shown no symptoms and are under medical observation.  

The CHP classified both cases as imported, as the patients were in Foshan and Indonesia during the incubation period. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing, and the cases have been reported to health authorities in Guangdong and Indonesia.