Wilson Lam: Large outbreak of monkeypox in HK unlikely

Wilson Lam, Vice-President of Hong Kong Society for Infectious Diseases (SID), said in a radio programme today (Sept. 7) that the chance of a major outbreak of monkeypox in Hong Kong is unlikely.

The outbreak of monkey pox in foreign countries is showing signs of slowing down, and the chances of a major outbreak in Hong Kong are not high even if travel restrictions are relaxed, according to Lam.

He said that monkeypox is mainly transmitted through direct contact, and that the incubation period of monkeypox is long, with localized symptoms first and systemic infection one to two weeks later.

He also suggested that close contacts of patients should be vaccinated against monkeypox to help reduce the chance of virus spread.

Ho Pak-leung, Director of the Carol Yu Centre for Infection at the University of Hong Kong, believes that imported cases in Hong Kong are to be expected, and suggested that community awareness of monkeypox should be increased.

He said the risk of infection is very low even for those who have come into contact with the patient, such as aircrew and hotel quarantine staff.

He expects that when the vaccine is purchased in Hong Kong, priority will be given to close contacts and high-risk individuals.

He also called on communities to raise the awareness of monkeypox and educate high-risk groups.