The Centre for Health Protection is investigating an imported measles case and urged non-immune members of the public to ensure they have completed two doses of measles vaccination before travelling.
The case involves a seven-month-old boy who developed symptoms on December 17. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on December 21 after developing a rash and tested positive for the measles virus. He is in stable condition under isolation.
The patient was outside Hong Kong from October 1 to December 16, spending the entire incubation period abroad, making this an imported case.
The boy had not yet reached the age for his first measles vaccine dose. His parents, who are household contacts and travel companions, had not received measles vaccination. The patient's mother developed a fever on December 18 and is being tested by the CHP.
Apart from medical visits, the patient mainly stayed at home during the communicable period. The CHP is contacting people who visited the same private clinic on December 19 to identify high-risk contacts and arrange vaccinations for non-immune individuals.
The CHP noted measles remains endemic in many regions, with outbreaks ongoing in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia due to relatively low vaccination rates. Cases have also increased this year in Japan and Australia.
"The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes," said CHP Controller Edwin Tsui.
He advised travellers returning from high-risk areas who develop symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, avoid contact with non-immune persons, and report their travel history to healthcare workers.
While Hong Kong maintains high two-dose measles vaccination coverage above 95 percent, the city still faces potential importation risks, particularly affecting those who have not completed vaccination.
People born before 1967 are considered to have natural immunity. Those born in or after 1967 without two doses or with unknown vaccination history should consult a doctor.
Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene and ventilation, proper handwashing, and keeping measles patients out of school until four days after rash appearance.
