Hong Kong has entered a pattern of semi-annual mild COVID-19 outbreaks, according to Professor Ivan Hung, Chair Professor of the Department of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. The city recently reported two severe pediatric cases of COVID-19, including a critically ill 17-month-old girl and a 13-year-old girl with pre-existing health conditions.
The 17-month-old girl, who is in critical condition, had not received any initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is believed to have no prior infection, making her first encounter with the virus particularly severe. Meanwhile, the 13-year-old girl, who suffers from chronic illness and has a weakened immune system, is in serious condition despite having received the initial vaccine doses.
Hung noted that COVID-19 activity in HK began to increase in mid-March, describing the current situation as part of a semi-annual mild outbreak cycle. This pattern, he explained, is largely due to the gradual decline of community hybrid immunity over time. He added that the current mild surge had been delayed due to the recent influenza peak, occurring roughly eight months after the last wave.
Additionally, HK has recorded the presence of mild variant strains of COVID-19, including the newly emerged XDV.1 variant, which has also been detected in other parts of Asia. These variants exhibit stronger immune escape capabilities and higher transmissibility but remain relatively mild in overall severity. However, Hung cautioned that high-risk individuals infected with these variants face a greater likelihood of developing severe symptoms.
Despite the emergence of new variants, Hung reassured the public that current vaccines continue to provide sufficient protection. He urged citizens to get vaccinated and stressed the importance of wearing masks in care homes, particularly when elderly residents are infected. He also advised infected individuals to seek medical attention promptly and take antiviral medications.
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